Book excerpt: 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) TherapyThe seven varieties of the Inner Critic and their positive intentHealing your Criticized Child that is hurt by your Inner CriticAwakening your Inner Champion—the antidote to the influence of your Inner CriticHow to transform your Inner Critic and learn to love yourselfHow 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.