Inspiration from the Couch

EP 22: Don't be an Asshole

September 16, 2021 Avery Hoenig, PhD, Jamie Wilson, PhD, and Lucy Smith, PhD Episode 22
Inspiration from the Couch
EP 22: Don't be an Asshole
Show Notes

Most of us are in easy agreement that we should refrain from being assholes to others, yet we often speak to ourselves in harsh, critical, and self-aggressive ways. In today’s episode, Jamie, Avery, and Lucy explore the ways that people (including us!) are assholes to themselves, both overtly and subconsciously. We talk about how we often speak to ourselves so differently than we would speak to a friend or even a stranger. We identify various Inner Voices: The Critic, The Excuse Maker, The Victim, The Worrier, The Caretaker, and The Enforcer. We describe each of these and examine how they show up in our lives. 

Do try this at home: 

  • Accept what’s so. (Accept things as they are right now.)
  • Our heads can get really crowded with all those voices inside! Take time to slow down and be with your true self. 
  • When you notice a lot of chatter in your head, you can tune in and ask yourself: “What else is going on” and “What do I need to do to take care of myself right now?”
  • Practice showing up for yourself with compassion when your inner critic gets loud. 
  • Try using a mantra such as “I’m just enough as I am.”
  • Have the explicit goal of “Don’t be an asshole to myself.” 
  • Try talking to yourself like you would speak to a friend.