Episode Title:
Taming the Inner Critic: Why Harsh Self-Talk Isn’t Helping You Drink Less
Hi, I’m Dr Fiona Dowman, a qualified Clinical Psychologist in the UK.
Episode Summary:
The voice in your head that tells you you’re failing, you should be doing better, or you’ve messed up again—that’s your inner critic. And if you’re trying to change your drinking, that voice can feel especially loud.
In this episode, I talk about how the inner critic shows up, why it’s so common when we’re trying to make a meaningful change, and why beating ourselves up rarely leads to real progress. I share a metaphor (involving a slightly stubborn donkey!) that helps explain how self-compassion—rather than self-criticism—can actually fuel long-term motivation and make habit change more sustainable.
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking why can’t I just stop? or I should know better by now, this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn:
- What the inner critic sounds like—and why it’s often loudest at night
- Why self-criticism feels familiar, but often backfires
- A helpful metaphor (donkey included!) to reframe how you motivate yourself
- How self-compassion helps build resilience and lasting change
- A simple question you can ask to respond to yourself more kindly
🔗 Resources I Mention:
My new signature program is for busy professionals ready to unwind without reaching for a drink. Want to be the first to hear when the doors opens?
Sign up to the priority list here: www.drinklessbooze.co.uk/join
📬 Got thoughts about this episode or want to share your experience with the inner critic?
Drop me a message at: info@purplebridgepsychology.co.uk
Or find me on Instagram: @purplebridgepsychology
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who might benefit.
As always, the advice in this podcast is not a substitute for personalised support. If you're concerned about physical dependence on alcohol, please speak to your GP or local alcohol service.
Share your feedback and Connect with me on Instagram @purplebridgepsychology
or Facebook
Popular Podcasts
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Fudd Around And Find Out
UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!