Counselling for Self‑Worth, Shame & the Inner Critic
Melbourne & Online
You’re generous, conscientious, and driven to do your best, but inside, there’s a voice that whispers that you’re “not quite doing enough”. You may find yourself people‑pleasing, grappling with perfectionism, or constantly apologising for taking up space. Over time, this inner critic can leave you feeling ashamed, disconnected, and fearful of being your true self.
At Morrow Endeavour, we offer compassionate, trauma‑informed counselling to help you unearth the roots of self‑criticism and rebuild a kinder, more grounded relationship with yourself.
Living with a Critical Inner Voice
Shame and self‑worth struggles often stem from experiences of emotional neglect, harsh messaging in childhood, or relational ruptures with people in our lives.
You might notice:
Self‑abandonment: Putting everyone else’s needs first, leaving you feeling resentful or depleted.
People‑pleasing: Saying “yes” at the expense of your own boundaries and desires.
Perfectionism: Chasing impossible standards to avoid feeling shame or failure.
Emotional neglect: Believing your feelings don’t matter or aren’t safe to express.
Harsh inner criticism: A constant, judging voice that undermines your confidence.
Fear of being too much or not enough: Hiding parts of yourself to fit in or avoid rejection.
These patterns are not your fault. They are adaptive strategies that once helped you stay safe or connected.
In therapy, we gently explore where this inner critic comes from, as we also cultivate a more compassionate inner dialogue.
We can support you through:
Tracing the roots of shame: Understand how early relationships and experiences shaped your self‑image.
Inner child & reparenting work: Offer the care, validation, and protection you needed as a child.
Self‑compassion practices: Learn to respond to yourself with kindness instead of criticism.
Boundary‑building: Practice saying “no” and honouring your needs without as much guilt and fear.
People‑pleasing awareness: Notice the urges to over‑help and explore alternative ways to connect.
Perfectionism reframing: Shift out of all‑or‑nothing thinking.
Somatic and emotional regulation: Use body‑based techniques to calm overwhelm and ground in a felt sense of safety.
How We Can Support You
Our Approach
All of our therapists work from a trauma‑informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based perspective.
We honour your unique story and pace
We see your inner critic as a protective part who has been working hard to keep you safe, not as something “broken” to be fixed
We integrate body‑based awareness, relational exploration, and practical tools
We hold space for all parts of you, with curiosity, compassion, and care.