Disengaging from Inner Criticism, 1st edition

Description

ABOUT THE BOOK

Self-criticism and negative self-talk are often unhelpful and counterproductive ways of pointing to forgotten or misunderstood resources in yourself. This book reveals a systematic and rigorous approach to working with self-criticism that helps you discover secret resources you didn’t know you had. The book helps you find a natural and effortless sense of confidence, vitality, peace, connectedness, joy and love. You can use the book for your own benefit or as an invaluable resource in your work as a coach or therapist.

WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT THE BOOK

“Freeing ourselves from inner criticism in all its forms is one of the most radically transformative things we can do. This book offers a thorough, systematic, and in-depth approach to transforming inner criticism, affirming that no inner “critic” is actually trying to hurt you, and the road to true inner peace and freedom is to completely transform your relationship with all blaming and shaming parts. Claus gives not one, not two, but fifteen ways to do that, each one grounded in the body’s felt sense. Fascinating!”
Ann Weiser Cornell, PhD
Renowned authority on Focusing, co-developer of Inner Relationship Focusing, author of The Radical Acceptance of Everything, and co-author of Untangling: How You Can Transform What’s Impossibly Stuck.

“I love this book! I thought I was fairly well versed in self critic work (my own and with clients) but with this book I’ve gained so much more. And as self critic work is the necessary foundation for any meaningful spiritual or personal work the book is utterly invaluable. Definitely the best thing out there by far, both in terms of its scope, depth and clarity, and blessedly the lack of filler, repetition, contradiction, etc so often found in such books. A heartfelt thanks to Claus for contributing hugely to my journey and that of my clients.”
Susanne Niedrum
Counsellor and Executive Coach

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Claus Springborg is a pioneer in integrating wisdom traditions and modern cognitive science in personal development. Over the past two decades, he has studied with esteemed teachers like Claudio Naranjo (Enneagram), Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche (Buddhism) and Faisal Muqaddam (Diamond logos/Diamond Approach).

With a doctoral degree from Cranfield University, Claus’ research explores how cognitive science, particularly Cognitive Metaphor Theory and theories of embodied cognition, can deepen our understanding of personal growth practices.

As the founder of the Sensing Mind Institute, Claus teaches therapists, psychologists, managers, other professionals and dedicated seekers, equipping them with methods that blend ancient wisdom and scientific insight. In addition to his work with the Institute, he lectures at Copenhagen Business School. and is the author of several books and academic papers. His teaching style is characterised by kindness, precision and humour.

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.1. What is inner criticism, and how did it develop? 
1.1.1. Rules for living
1.1.2. Methods of enforcing rules for living
1.2. Why disengage from inner criticism? (CLICK TO READ)
1.2.1. Inner criticism prevents refinement of thinking and acting (CLICK TO READ)
1.2.2. Inner criticism is counterproductive (CLICK TO READ)
1.2.3. Inner criticism blocks creative imagination (CLICK TO READ)
1.2.4. Inner criticism is paralysing
1.3. Why do people not disengage from inner criticism? 
1.3.1. Inner criticism is not your conscience
1.3.2. Inner criticism is not your only source of motivation
1.3.3. Inner criticism is not your source of parental love
1.3.4. Disengaging from inner criticism is not a betrayal of the parents
1.4. How to engage with the exercises in this book 
1.4.1. Pay attention to your inner felt sense
1.4.2. Stay receptive and see what you are looking with
1.4.3. Assume that there are no inner enemies
1.4.4. Look at what came before
1.4.5. Notice and savour the relief
1.5. Chapter summary 

2. DETECTING INNER CRITICISM
2.1. Why is inner criticism difficult to detect? 
2.1.1. Inner criticism is very familiar
2.1.2. Inner criticism is inconsistent
2.1.3. Inner criticism is constantly evolving
2.1.4. Inner criticism can appear as your own rational opinion
2.1.5. Inner criticism can feel instinctual
2.1.6. Inner criticism creates a sense of urgency that leaves no room for reflection
2.2. The main ways of detecting inner criticism 
2.2.1. Detecting inner criticism by noticing deficiency emotions
2.2.2. Detecting inner criticism by noticing deficiency motivation
2.2.3. Others’ criticism of you
2.2.4. Your own criticism of others
2.2.5. Conspicuously absent thoughts, emotions, and behaviours
2.2.6. Working with inner criticism that is triggered in social situations
2.3. Chapter summary 

3. DESCRIBING INNER CRITICISM AND REACTIONS TO IT
3.1. Journaling 
3.1.1. The situation
3.1.2. The behaviour, emotion, or thought that is criticised
3.1.3. Negative interpretation: The message of inner criticism
3.1.4. Deficiency-emotions: The emotion inner criticism generates in you
3.1.5. Deficiency-motivated reactions: Your reaction to inner criticism
3.1.6. Themes
3.2. The voices of inner criticism 
3.2.1. The voice of judgment – put-downs, negative labels, and shame
3.2.2. The voice of fear – threats, scary scenarios, and fear
3.2.3. The voice of cynicism – devaluation, reduction, and disappointment
3.2.4. Combinations of the voices
3.2.5. Subtler versions of the voices
3.2.6. The voices and inner parts
3.2.7. Voices of criticism beyond judgement, threat, and cynicism
3.2.8. Inner criticism as conditioned responses and as modelled behaviour
3.2.9. Dealing with anger towards your parents triggered by work on inner criticism
3.3. Reactions to inner criticism 
3.3.1. Complying
3.3.2. Combating
3.3.3. Collapsing
3.3.4. Combinations
3.3.5. Defence mechanisms as reactions to inner criticism
3.4. Criticism as generative force: Reactions as criticism and criticism of reactions 
3.5. Chapter summary 

4. DISENGAGING FROM INNER CRITICISM