From Self-Critic to Self-Fan: How to Break the Cycle of Self-Doubt and Build Lasting Confidence

Self-criticism is often mistaken for motivation. Many high-achieving individuals believe that being hard on themselves is the key to success, constantly pushing forward while silencing their emotional needs. But rather than fostering growth, relentless self-criticism creates an exhausting cycle of doubt, perfectionism, and emotional disconnection.

Jason Alicea, Owner of Rising Tide Therapy, specializes in helping high-functioning, logical thinkers move beyond self-judgment and into a space of true self-acceptance. His approach goes beyond traditional talk therapy, offering structured, goal-oriented strategies that help clients break out of unproductive cycles and create sustainable change.

"People come to therapy when they’re tired of their own patterns," Jason explains. "They’ve spent years achieving, avoiding, or numbing their way through life, only to feel like something is still missing. The work we do is about transformation, not just reflection—it’s about actually changing the way you relate to yourself and the world around you."

At the core of Jason’s practice is the belief that emotional intelligence isn’t about being overwhelmed by feelings but about learning how to navigate them effectively. Many of his clients are professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-achievers who have spent years avoiding emotions or seeing them as distractions. Others are individuals exploring polyamory, non-monogamy, or relationship structures outside of traditional norms. Some are trauma survivors who have mastered the art of high-functioning avoidance but struggle to form deep, authentic connections.

Rather than dwelling on the past indefinitely, Jason uses a combination of EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic approaches to help clients map their emotions, break unhealthy patterns, and build self-trust. He balances deep emotional work with practical strategies, ensuring that therapy is not just insightful but actionable.

"True growth isn’t about suppressing emotions or chasing quick fixes," says Jason. "It’s about learning to sit with discomfort, listen to what emotions are trying to communicate, and respond in a way that aligns with who you want to become."

One of the biggest obstacles in this process is the inner critic—the voice that constantly questions whether a person is good enough, successful enough, or worthy enough. Rather than simply silencing this voice, Jason teaches clients how to engage with it differently. Instead of seeing self-doubt as proof of failure, he encourages people to view it as a signal—an opportunity to reassess, recalibrate, and move forward with intention.

For many, this shift in mindset is the key to long-term confidence. The goal isn’t to eliminate self-doubt entirely but to develop a healthier relationship with it. When people learn how to challenge their inner narratives, they stop seeking validation from external achievements and start cultivating self-trust from within.

Jason’s therapy style is direct, no-nonsense, and deeply affirming. He understands that for many high-achieving individuals, traditional therapy can feel too abstract or passive. That’s why he focuses on making emotional work accessible and actionable—helping clients move from survival mode to intentional, fulfilling lives.

Most importantly, the process is designed to end. "The goal isn’t to keep people in therapy forever," Jason emphasizes. "It’s to give them the tools they need to graduate—to feel confident navigating their own emotions, relationships, and decisions without needing constant external guidance."

Through his work at Rising Tide Therapy, Jason helps people move beyond self-criticism and into a space of genuine self-acceptance. By shifting the focus from self-doubt to self-trust, clients don’t just heal—they build lives and relationships that actually work for them.

For those ready to break free from cycles of self-judgment and create lasting change, Jason’s approach offers a clear path forward—one that is both practical and deeply transformative.

For more information, visit Rising Tide Therapy or follow Jason Alicea on Instagram at @therapywithjason.