When the Click Happened: The Day the Inner Critic Softened

Before our session even began, my client and I were deep in conversation about Naruto. We were both animated discussing plots, characters, and the way the show mirrors real emotional struggles. That shared space of curiosity and connection became a natural bridge into our session.

That day, we explored the theme of the inner critic.

During expressive arts work, the client painted a creature—large, fierce, and wild. “It’s like the Nine-Tails,” he said. “But this one’s named Perfection.”

I nodded, curious to see what would unfold next.

He didn’t try to fight it. Instead, he drew himself beside the monster. Then he wrote a few words next to the image: “What do you need from me?”

By the end of the session, the sharp claws softened, the red rage cooled—and Perfection, the monster, had slowly transformed into a small, quiet puppy.

A part of him that once yelled and judged… now simply needed gentleness.

It reminded both of us: Sometimes, compassion, not correction, is what quiets the critic.

What part of you needs kindness, not discipline?