Critical partners routinely chide others unfairly, blame their partners for things that are out of their control, and exaggerate what they see as character flaws. In a relationship, these behaviors threaten the other partner's self-esteem and may irreparably damage the relationship. The Critical Partner helps readers in relationships with critical partners understand the behavior that drives their partner's criticism and end this relationship pattern using schema therapy. First, this book helps readers identify their partner's schema using assessments and checklists. A schema is an entrenched pattern of relating to others that often develops in childhood. Schemas common amongst critical partners are rooted in shame, unrelenting standards imposed on them by others, distrust, fear of abandonment, or fear of deprivation. Readers also learn to understand their own schemas and how these schemas may draw them into relationships with critical partners. The book then presents a clear, step-by-step plan for weakening the destructive schemas at work in their relationships and developing new coping strategies for deflecting criticism.
