Introduction
Do you ever catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll never get this right”? Negative self-talk is one of the most common struggles people bring to therapy. These automatic thoughts feel so real that they can take over — leaving you drained, stuck, and ashamed. But there is hope. With practice, you can reframe your inner voice and build a more compassionate mindset.
Why Negative Self-Talk Hurts
When left unchallenged, self-criticism:
- Lowers self-esteem
- Increases anxiety and depression
- Creates self-sabotaging behaviors
- Damages relationships through shame and withdrawal
How Cognitive Restructuring Helps
Therapy uses a tool called cognitive restructuring to identify distorted thinking and replace it with more balanced, helpful thoughts.
Steps You Can Try Today:
- Notice the thought – Write down the exact words that came to mind.
- Examine the evidence – Ask yourself: Is this 100% true?
- Challenge the distortion – Look for alternative perspectives.
- Reframe with compassion – Replace the thought with something realistic yet kind, like: “I made a mistake, but I’m learning. This doesn’t define me.”
Takeaway
Your thoughts don’t have to control your story. By practicing reframing, you can quiet the critic and strengthen your inner voice.
✨ If you’re ready to work on changing the way you think and feel, I’d love to help. Let’s connect:


