Exploring the Inner Critic
Parts on Paper
A Three- Part Online Journalling Group
10–24 September 2026
Three online gatherings with guided journalling between sessions.
An Invitation
Most of us know the voice of the Inner Critic.
It tells us to work harder, get it right, stay in control, fit in, or never make mistakes.
Over time these voices can become so familiar that we mistake them for the truth. We don’t just hear them — we become them.
This three-week journey is an invitation to slow that process down.
Through guided journalling, conversation and curiosity, we’ll begin to notice the different voices that make up our own Inner Critic and explore what lies underneath them.
Rather than trying to silence these voices or get rid of them, we’ll become curious about them.
Because every critic has a job.
Every critic is trying to protect you.
And every critic has a story.
Inspired by Freedom from Your Inner Critic by Jay Earley and Bonnie Weiss, we’ll explore what I like to call the Council of Critics — an inner committee of protective parts, each convinced its particular strategy is the best way to keep us safe.
Meet Your Council
Together we’ll get to know seven familiar critics:
- The Perfectionist
- The Driver (Taskmaster)
- The Inner Controller
- The Underminer
- The Destroyer
- The Guilt Tripper
- The Chameleon
As the weeks unfold, you’ll begin recognising which critics are most active in your own life, what they are trying to protect, and how they came to take on these roles.
Why Journalling?
Writing creates space.
Instead of becoming caught inside the voice of the critic, we can begin to notice it.
We can listen to what it says without immediately believing it.
Between our online gatherings you’ll receive guided journalling prompts to help you explore your own Council of Critics.
This isn’t homework.
It’s an experiment.
An opportunity to notice which critic is present, what it is trying to protect, and what happens when we respond with curiosity rather than judgement.
What to Expect
The journey includes:
🌿 Three live online gatherings — 75 minutes each
🌿 Guided journalling between sessions
🌿 A private WhatsApp group for the duration of the journey
🌿 Reflections inspired by Internal Family Systems (IFS)
🌿 A simple, compassionate approach to understanding your inner world
No previous journalling experience is needed.
Only a willingness to become curious.
Group Schedule
🌿 Opening Circle
Thursday 10 September 2026
Meeting the Council of Critics
🌿 Middle Circle
Thursday 17 September 2026
Listening to What the Critics Protect
🌿 Closing Circle
Thursday 24 September 2026
Living with Greater Awareness and Choice
Session Time
South Africa (SAST)
6:00–7:15 PM
Central Europe (CEST)
6:00–7:15 PM
US Pacific (PDT)
9:00–10:15 AM
Contribution
International
Suggested contribution US$50–100
South Africa
Suggested contribution R700–R1,000
If the suggested contribution isn’t possible, please get in touch and we’ll make a plan.
Is This Group for You?
This group is for anyone who recognises the harsh inner voice that criticises, pushes, compares, controls, or never quite lets them rest.
You don’t need to be “good” at journalling.
You don’t need to fix yourself.
You simply need a willingness to become curious about the voices inside and what they have been trying to protect.
This is what a previous participant said about her experience:
“What a nourishing experience to be with you all. Thanks Ryan and Leeane for such a warm and encouraging space.
The suggestion of our critics as being sacred was especially heart-opening. It’s been very hard for me to relate to these parts and welcome them until now — even acknowledging them felt hard. It feels like a big shift.”
— Naomi
Ready to Meet Your Council of Critics?
If this journey speaks to you, I’d love to have you join us.
Complete the registration form below to reserve your place. You’ll find contribution options, payment details, and everything you need to get started there.
Before our first gathering, I’ll send you your Inner Critic Profile along with an invitation to our temporary WhatsApp group, which we’ll use to share journalling prompts and stay connected for the duration of the journey.
→ Register Here