"Why does criticism hurt so much?" Dr Julie on triggers and behaviour patterns
From Happy Place by Fearne Cotton
May 25, 2026 · 59 min · Season 43 · Episode 6
About this episode
Dr Julie Smith discusses the impact of criticism on self-worth and the importance of evidence over affirmations in building confidence.
Ever looked in the mirror and told yourself “I am enough” ...and not believed a word of it? Psychologist Dr Julie Smith reckons affirmations only work to boost confidence if – deep down – you already believe them. In this chat with Fearne, Julie explains why your brain needs evidence, not mantras, to change your critical inner voice and build self-worth. She also talks through why criticism from others can hit so hard, and why the discomfort felt is often an echo of a much older wound. Julie breaks down how the patterns we developed in childhood keep replaying in adulthood. Julie also talks about her breast cancer diagnosis, and how it tested everything she’d been teaching everyone else about fear, agency, and mental health. Plus, what’s the simple therapy exercise that could change how you carry pain? Dr Julie’s best-selling book, Open When, is available now in paperback. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Dr Julie’s first Happy Place episode Estelle Bingham Adele Roberts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
People in this episode
Host: Fearne Cotton
Guest: Dr Julie Smith
Topics covered
- self-worth
- criticism
- mental health
- childhood patterns
- affirmations
- breast cancer
Keywords
- criticism
- self-worth
- mental health
- affirmations
- childhood patterns
- breast cancer
- therapy exercise
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Open When
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