Freedom from Your Inner Critic - by Jay Earley & Bonnie Weiss (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

We've all heard the voice of the inner critic--that part of us that judges us, shames us, and makes us feel inadequate. "You don't want to give in to the Critic, and it doesn't really work to fight against it," explains Dr. Jay Earley. "But there is a way to transform it into an invaluable ally." With Freedom from Your Inner Critic, Dr. Earley and psychotherapist Bonnie Weiss present a self-therapy approach for uncovering the psychological roots of our self-sabotaging inner voices and restoring our sense of worthiness. Filled with insights, case studies, and practical self-therapy exercises, this breakthrough book explores:

How to connect with your Inner Critic through the groundbreaking approach of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
- The seven varieties of the Inner Critic and their positive intent
- Healing your Criticized Child that is hurt by your Inner Critic
- Awakening your Inner Champion--the antidote to the influence of your Inner Critic
- How to transform your Inner Critic and learn to love yourself
- How our self-confidence, motivation, and courage improve when we are free from our Inner Critics
"Self-esteem is our birthright," says Dr. Earley. "And even the most intractable Inner Critic can learn to let go and allow you to blossom." Freedom from Your Inner Critic offers a solution to one of our greatest psychological challenges--so you can reclaim your confidence, freedom, and joy in life.

Review Quotes

"In this comprehensive self-help guide, psychologist Jay Earley and psychotherapist Bonnie Weiss offer specific strategies and tactics designed to blunt the negative damage caused by this voice, which they label the 'Inner Critic.' The authors write with clarity, precision, and authority. Clearly, not everyone will be able to rid themselves of internal struggles simply by reading this book; however, those with the discipline to follow the authors' programmatic approach from start to finish could see significant results."
--Barry Silverstein, ForeWord Reviews

"Earley and Weiss have given us a detailed and elegantframework to help us transform inner criticism. With numerous examples of successful work with the inner critic, sparkling insights throughout, and their clear charting of a path of healing and transformation, they have provided a very valuable resource, one that I will recommend to my students."
--Donald Rothberg, author of The Engaged Spiritual Life

"I am very grateful to Jay Earley for his . . . substantial contribution to the literature on Internal Family Systems Therapy."
--Richard Schwartz, PhD, creator of the IFS model

"Jay has the gift of both insight and teaching..."
--Geneen Roth, author of When Food Is Food and Love Is Love


"What our life could be if we were free from our inner critic! This book helps all of us take the necessary steps to tame this monster."
--Peter A. Levine, PhD, author of Healing Trauma and Freedom from Pain

"Earley and Weiss have given us a detailed and elegant framework to help us transform inner criticism. With numerous examples of successful work with the inner critic, sparkling insights throughout, and their clear charting of a path of healing and transformation, they have provided a very valuable resource, one that I will recommend to my students."
--Donald Rothberg, author of The Engaged Spiritual Life and member of the Teacher's Council, Spirit Rock Meditation Center

"This extraordinarily helpful book--using transcripts from real conversations, playful illustrations, checklists, and questionnaires--clearly shows a step-by-step process of diminishing the critic's power and transforming it into an ally through psychological alchemy. They've found the perfect balance point by writing a book that isn't too dense in theory to be useful and isn't too superficial to have much lasting impact."
--James Flaherty, author of Coaching: Evoking Excellence in Others

About the Author

Jay Earley
Jay Earley, PhD is a psychologist, group leader, psychotherapist, teacher, and theorist. He is a specialist in IFS Therapy and the author of numerous books, including Self-Therapy. See personal-growth-programs.com.

Bonnie Weiss
Bonnie Weiss, LCSW has been a psychotherapist for individuals, couples, and families in her private practice and for several public agencies. She teaches workshops on IFS and self-esteem. See personal-growth-programs.com.