When the inner critic shows up, it is not proof that you are broken. It is proof that a part of you is working overtime to keep you safe. You do not need to silence or banish it. Instead, you can turn toward it and listen. Often it is just afraid, repeating what was once said to you, or trying to prevent old pain from happening again.
The moment you recognize this, you are no longer inside its grip. You are the one offering care, and that changes everything.