Can we trust Gremlins, Inner Critics, Saboteurs and Critters?

Befriending the Voices Inside

Abstract art of inner parts emerging through creative expression, symbolising acceptance in therapy.
Inner Selves
Julia Fry
2026

Anxiety is often spoken about as a problem to be fixed, medicated, or mindset-hacked away. Yet in the therapy room and in my own life, anxiety has shown up as something more complex: a protective part, a messenger from deeper hurt, and sometimes a sign that something stranger is moving through the nervous system. In this article, I share my journey with gremlins, inner critics, parts-work and “critters”, and how creativity and compassion help us move from fighting ourselves to befriending what lives inside.

This is written for anyone who feels hijacked by anxiety or critical voices and is curious about a gentler, more creative way of relating to them.

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