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Allying with the Inner Saboteur

Allying with the Inner Saboteur

Furkhan Dandia
June 03, 2025

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Allying with the Inner Saboteur

Last week, I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Philip Agrios (Listen Here), and we discussed his work in helping individuals identify their inner saboteur and then become an ally with it, rather than resisting it. We explored the different traits that people exhibit and how recognizing these traits can help us understand why we behave in destructive ways. As Dr. Agrios highlights in the episode, we all have the inner saboteur that can direct our lives if we do not recognize it. Dr. Agrios also shared that the reason he came to this conclusion was through his previous career in chiropractic, and he would notice patients showing physical symptoms from engaging in destructive behaviour.

As I continued to reflect on my personal experiences and clinical work, one thing that kept coming to the forefront was the individual choices we make that can sabotage aspects of our lives. Often, these choices are subconscious and serve as a form of self-preservation. For most of us, if we do not expose ourselves to situations that facilitate growth, we will not have to face the shame of failure and risk damaging our self-esteem. Therein lies the complex human condition. Another similar concept that frequently arose in discussions with clients was the shadow self, a concept Carl Jung famously coined. Many people find that the shadow self serves a purpose until it starts to take over their lives. Jung spent considerable time explaining the importance of integrating the shadow. Therefore, in this week's edition of EZ Reflections, I wanted to expand on recognizing our inner saboteur and integrating our shadow selves.

The Jungian Shadow and the Inner Saboteur

Carl Jung referred to the "shadow" as the unconscious parts of ourselves we deny, suppress, or reject—traits, impulses, and desires that don't align with our self-image or social expectations. The inner saboteur is a voice born from this shadow. It protects us in maladaptive ways, usually shaped by early wounds, trauma, or unmet needs. While it may seem like a threat, this voice often masks a more profound yearning to be heard, validated, and healed.

Jung emphasized that “one does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.” This process—known as shadow integration—requires courage, self-compassion, and radical honesty.

Why Fighting the Saboteur Doesn't Work

Trying to silence or suppress the inner saboteur can strengthen its grip. Neuroscientific research on emotional suppression shows that efforts to avoid or control unwanted internal experiences often backfire, increasing psychological distress and reinforcing negative thought loops (Gross & Levenson, 1997; Wegner, 1994).

Instead of waging war against our inner critic, research suggests that self-compassion and mindful awareness are more effective. In a study by Neff and Germer (2013), participants who underwent an 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion program reported significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and rumination—hallmarks of inner sabotage.

The Power of Integration: Turning the Inner Critic into a Guide

When we approach the saboteur with curiosity rather than condemnation, we begin to uncover its purpose. Often, it represents a younger, wounded self seeking protection. Psychologist Richard Schwartz, founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS), calls these parts “protectors”—aspects of our psyche that try to shield us from pain, often through criticism, withdrawal, or perfectionism.

Schwartz’s model encourages befriending these inner parts, building trust, and helping them release their extreme roles. Clinical studies on IFS show promising results in improving emotional regulation and reducing PTSD symptoms by fostering inner harmony (Mennin et al., 2018; Lentz et al., 2021).