Talking Back to Yourself

Paul Bishop

MA, LPC, LPC/S

7/11/2023

People sometimes say they talk to themselves; others say it is okay if you aren’t talking back to yourself.  I know what they mean, but I believe we all often talk to ourselves in our heads. Sometimes it can be good:  "You can do it!  You are going to do just fine. It’s okay if you miss a few points on that test,"…But more often, it’s more like:  "You idiot!  You should have known better.  Why can’t you do better than that?”  When we have such negative self-talk, it is crucial to take the time to talk back to ourselves.  Speak some truth statements based on Scripture that can “talk back” to those negative statements. Consider what you would say to a friend if they spoke those statements. Then reply to yourself with the exact words of encouragement and grace!  If you find yourself talking to yourself, talk back next time.