In Transactional Analysis, the Critical Parent is one way of understanding the harsh inner voice that can fuel self-criticism, shame, perfectionism, anxiety and low self-worth. This article explores where that voice may come from, how it can show up, and how therapy can help you respond to it differently.

Therapy usually begins with relationships with other people. Over time, it often leads to deeper work on the relationship you have with yourself and why your reactions make sense.