What is inner child therapy

What is inner child therapy

3 May 2023

Inner child therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help people heal from their childhood traumas and reconnect with their authentic selves. The concept of the inner child is based on the idea that we all have a part of ourselves that retains the emotions, memories, and experiences of our early life. This part can influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in adulthood, especially if we have unresolved issues or unmet needs from our past.

Some of the goals of inner child therapy are:

  • To identify and acknowledge the wounds and needs of the inner child
  • To provide a safe and supportive space for the inner child to express themselves
  • To develop a compassionate and nurturing relationship with the inner child
  • To re-parent the inner child with positive messages and affirmations
  • To integrate the inner child with the adult self and create a sense of wholeness and balance

Some of the benefits of inner child therapy are:

  • Increased self-awareness and self-esteem
  • Reduced anxiety and depression
  • Improved emotional regulation and coping skills
  • Enhanced relationships and communication
  • Greater creativity and joy

Inner child therapy can involve various techniques, such as:

  • Guided imagery and meditation
  • Journaling and letter writing
  • Art and music therapy
  • Role-playing and dialoguing
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and schema therapy

Inner child therapy - Counselling Directory. (n.d.). https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/inner-child-therapy

Inner Child: Healing Your Inner Child | BetterHelp. (n.d.). https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/inner-child-what-is-it-what-happened-to-it-and-how-can-i-fix-it/

What is inner child therapy? Goals and what to expect - Medical News Today. (n.d.). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/inner-child-therapy

Inner Child Therapy - What It Is and How It Helps. https://fherehab.com/learning/inner-child-therapy.

Inner Child Healing: 35 Practical Tools for Growing Beyond Your Past. https://positivepsychology.com/inner-child-healing/.