Why do some people turn a simple complaint into proof that they’re fundamentally flawed? In this episode, we break down “broken mirror syndrome” — how trauma distorts self-perception so that feedback feels like condemnation, imperfection feels dangerous, and self-criticism becomes identity-level attack. Using a real clinical example, we walk through how attachment wounds, shame conditioning, and nervous system activation reshape the way the brain processes relational input.

You’ll hear the difference between destructive self-criticism and precise, behavior-focused accountability, along with the actual mechanics behind decision paralysis, perfectionism, and that constant internal voice that says “you should be better by now.” This is a grounded look at how trauma rewires introspection — and how to recalibrate it without losing responsibility.

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