Kendra Shaw Crutcher
Guest Blogger
Kendra Shaw Crutcher, BA, MSW Candidate, earned her Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with a concentration in Psychology from Alabama A&M University. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Capella University, where she integrates academic training with hands-on practicum experience at Lewis Mentoring. She is happily married and a devoted mother to two biological children and two bonus children. Family remains the foundation of her life and continues to inspire her dedication to service, leadership, and community impact.
Meredith Lewis
Guest Blogger
Meredith Lewis, PhD, LICSW-S, has worked for more than 21 years with groups including aging, teens, veterans, and outpatient mental health. She is a mother of teenage sons, and her passion is to address symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Lately, life has felt loud. Between coursework, deadlines, and the constant pressure to stay on top of everything, it has been easy for my inner critic to speak up. That voice has a way of showing up at the worst times, usually when I am already tired or questioning whether I am doing enough. While watching the Rise Up Video Silencing the Inner Critic, I found myself nodding along more than once, not just because the content was relatable, but because it felt timely.
The inner critic voice carries negative and judgmental messages, much like sound waves carry vibrations. This can be overwhelming because often, that voice is not responding to what is happening now, but to past experiences, expectations, or moments where self-doubt took root. This is when you recognize that not every thought deserves my attention.
Different types of messages include negative and judgmental messages, much like sound waves carry vibrations. That comparison stood out to me because it helped explain why those thoughts can feel so overwhelming. Often, that voice is not responding to what is happening now, but to past experiences, expectations, or moments where self-doubt took root. Recognizing that helped me step back and realize that not every thought deserves my attention.
There are different types of inner critics, including the perfectionist, the imposter, and the comparison driven voice. Over the past few weeks, as school demands have increased, I noticed how often my inner critic sounded like the perfectionist, telling me I should be doing more or better, even when I was meeting expectations. I must remember there are voices, but they are not facts.
Instead of silencing the critic and ignoring it, it is better to focus on awareness, compassion, and intentional response. I began applying this in my own life by noticing when negative self-talk appeared during schoolwork and pausing before reacting. Rather than letting that voice spiral, I reminded myself of the work I had already completed and the progress I was making.
Here are a few ways you can practice silencing your inner critic:
- Pause and name the thought. Simply recognizing when the inner critic shows up helps separate the thought from reality.
- Ground yourself in the present task. Focusing on what needs to be done now prevents overwhelm from taking over.
- Replace judgment with compassion. Speaking to yourself, the way you would speak to someone else has been a powerful shift.
- Acknowledge effort, not just outcomes. Progress counts, even when things are not perfect.
- Allow rest without guilt. Rest has become part of productivity, not the opposite of it.
When entering the Social Work Field, it is important to remember that confidence is not arrogance. I must remember my value and ability to decrease imposter syndrome. As I work with clients, I can address tasks more manageable. Silencing the inner critic does not mean it disappears completely, but it does mean choosing not to let it lead.
References:
RISE. (2026, January 2). Silencing the inner critic [Video]. YouTube.
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