Changing the present by healing the past: How Inner Child work can help us
The concept of the "inner child" has been widely discussed in psychological and spiritual circles for decades. Essentially, the idea is that within each of us, there is a part that retains the innocence, wonder, and vulnerability of childhood. This inner child can be a source of creativity, playfulness, and joy, but it can also be the root of deep-seated emotional wounds and patterns of behavior that originated from adverse childhood experiences.
As a therapist who has worked with a wide range of clients, I do believe that the inner child is a crucial aspect of our psyche that deserves attention and care and is the part that is often participating in the root cause of our symptoms as adults. When we neglect or suppress this part of ourselves, we are often left feeling disconnected, anxious, and unfulfilled.
One of the main reasons why the inner child is so important is that it holds the key to our deepest desires and needs. As children, we are naturally drawn to activities, people, and experiences that bring us joy and fulfillment. We have a sense of wonder and curiosity that allows us to explore the world around us with enthusiasm and openness.
However, as we grow older, we often learn to suppress these impulses in order to fit in with society's (and more importantly familial) expectations and norms. We may begin to prioritize practical concerns such as financial stability, career success, and social status over our true passions and desires. This can lead to a sense of disconnection and dissatisfaction that can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and physical illness.
One of the most effective ways to reconnect with our inner child is through play and creativity. Whether it's painting, dancing, writing, or simply engaging in imaginative play, these activities allow us to tap into our innate sense of wonder and joy. They help us to break free from the rigid patterns of thought and behavior that can keep us stuck in old habits and beliefs.
Another important aspect of reconnecting with the inner child is learning to listen to and honor our emotions. As children, we are much more in touch with our feelings than we often are as adults. We cry when we're sad, laugh when we're happy, and express ourselves freely without worrying about what others think. As we grow older, we may learn to suppress our emotions in order to appear strong or in control, but this can lead to a buildup of tension and stress that can manifest in various physical and mental health problems.
By learning to acknowledge and express our emotions in a healthy way, we can begin to heal the wounds of the past and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and vitality. This process can be challenging, but it is ultimately rewarding, as it allows us to reclaim our authentic selves and live more fully in the present moment.
In the therapeutic setting, inner child work can be done through a variety of modalities and each practitioner may have their own unique approach. Often times, it is through meeting the unmet needs of our inner child that we are able to integrate more into adulthood and go deeper into personal individuation.
If you are interested in fidning our more about inner child work and feel you may benefit from it, book a free 15 minute consultation with one of our practitioners here.