Julie Legg speaks with psychotherapist Dr. Katie Brzozowski about the inner critic, where it comes from, why it can feel so loud for ADHDers, and how it shapes the way we see ourselves.

Katie explains how a lifetime of correction, criticism, and misunderstanding can become internalised, turning into the harsh self-talk many ADHDers carry into adulthood. These “tapes” often resurface during moments of stress, grief, burnout, or life transitions — amplifying self-doubt and making it harder to move forward.

Rather than trying to silence the inner critic completely, Katie introduces a more compassionate and practical approach: learning to separate from those thoughts, reduce their power, and stop letting them dictate behaviour. From ACT-based tools to visual techniques and gentle reframing, this conversation offers a grounded, realistic pathway toward self-compassion and emotional resilience.

Key Points from the Episode:

•  How ADHDers internalise years of correction and criticism 
•  The inner critic as learned “tapes” from earlier life experiences 
•  Why the inner critic gets louder during stress, grief, and transition 
•  The difference between “I am” vs “I’m having the thought that I am”
•  Why ignoring negative thoughts doesn’t work 
•  Using ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) to create distance from thoughts 
•  Techniques to stop getting “hooked” by the inner critic 
•  The impact of comparison and unrealistic life expectations 
•  ADHD, non-linear life paths, and redefining success 
•  Why self-compassion is essential for growth and change

Links: 

• WEBSITE: https://speakeasytoday.com/
• INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/speakeasypsychotherapy/
•  LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkathrynbrzozowski/

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 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More