Taming the Inner Critic Modes in Schema Therapy: A Conceptualisation-Based Approach to Chronic Shame, Guilt, & Self-Critisism

with Dr Rob Brockman

Mode of Delivery 2-Hour Zoom Webinar (including discussion and Q&A)

Time/Date : Starts Thursday 5pm July 30th (2026) - AEST - Sydney Time (comes with 12-months streaming access too)

Synopsis:

Inner critic modes—particularly the Punitive, Demanding, and Guilt-Inducing Critics—are among the most pervasive and clinically challenging features encountered in Schema Therapy. These modes often sit at the centre of clients’ difficulties, driving cycles of shame, self-attack, emotional dysregulation, and maladaptive coping. In many cases, as has been suggested, “all roads lead to the critic,” highlighting their central role in maintaining psychopathology and blocking access to core emotional needs .

This 2-hour webinar offers a structured, conceptualisation-based approach to understanding and working with inner critic modes. Moving beyond a purely technique-driven focus, the training emphasises how careful mode formulation can guide more precise, flexible, and effective interventions—particularly in cases where critic modes do not respond to standard Schema Therapy strategies.

A key focus of the webinar will be on working with “stuck” or resistant critic modes—those that appear to fight back, escalate, or become more entrenched in response to traditional interventions such as strong limit setting or chair work. Rather than viewing these responses as treatment failure, participants will be guided to conceptualise these moments as clinically meaningful signals. These “blocks” often reflect underlying dynamics such as heightened vulnerability, coping mode interference (e.g., detachment or surrender), loyalty conflicts, or the critic serving a perceived protective or functional role for the client.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will learn how to:

  1. Differentiate between types of critic modes (e.g., Punitive vs Demanding vs Guilt-Inducing) and understand their developmental origins and functions.
  2. Map critic modes within the broader mode system, including their relationship to Vulnerable Child modes and coping responses
  3. Recognise and conceptualise resistance or escalation in critic modes as part of the mode system, rather than as opposition or non-compliance
  4. Identify common “blocks” to change, including fear activation, cultural or familial loyalty conflicts, and (functional) beliefs about the necessity of the critic.
  5. Flexibly adapt interventions—shifting between limit setting, empathic confrontation, and more compassionate or exploratory approaches—based on understanding any potential underlying 'function' of the critic mode

The webinar will integrate theory with clinical practice through case examples, mode maps, and guided reflections. Particular attention will be given to therapist stance, including how to remain attuned, grounded, and effective when critic modes intensify or “push back,” and how therapists’ own schemas may be activated in these moments.

By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer framework for conceptualising both typical and “stuck” critic dynamics, and a more flexible repertoire of strategies to “tame” these modes—supporting clients to move from self-criticism toward self-compassion and healthier need fulfilment.

Please note this Webinar is FREE for  Schema Therapy Mastery Plus + Members - or can be purchased separately below.

Full Program and resource catalog here (recommended):

 https://courses.schematherapytrainingonline.com/p/schema-therapy-mastery-plus

Registration and Payment

Presenter - Dr Rob Brockman

Clinical Psychologist, ISST Accredited Schema Therapy Supervisor & Trainer

President - International Society of Schema Therapy (2024- Current) 

Rob is a clinical psychologist and academic based in Sydney, Australia. He has been affiliated with Schema Therapy Training Australia for over a decade, delivering ISST-accredited Schema Therapy trainings across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Rob has authored numerous scientific articles, book chapters, and books on Schema Therapy and emotion regulation. Most recently, he co-authored The Cambridge Guide to Schema Therapy (2023), the most up-to-date clinician’s manual on Schema Therapy.

In addition to his training work, Rob is the co-director of SchemaTherapyTrainingOnline.com, an online learning hub for Schema Therapists, and co-host of What’s the Schemata?, a podcast for Schema Therapists, alongside colleague Chris Hayes.

In late 2024 Rob was elected as President of the International Society of Schema Therapy (the peak body for ST internationally with over 4000 members).