In my last post, I spoke on child counseling. In this one, we’ll be discussing our inner child, which is a part of everyone, no matter their age! However, not everyone acknowledges them. And some people even actively hurt their inner child.
The concept of the “inner child” refers to the part of ourselves that holds onto childhood memories, emotions, and patterns of behavior. This inner child can have a significant impact on our adult lives, influencing our relationships, emotional reactions, and overall well-being.
This Palm Beach Gardens therapist just happens to have 24+ years experience helping people dig deep to find and heal their inner child. My name is Jessica Harrison and I’ve taken those decades of experience of inner child work to give you 6 steps to take towards the path of healing.
Finding Your Inner Child
Reflect on your childhood
Take some time to reflect on your childhood experiences, both positive and negative. Think about the emotions and feelings that you associate with certain memories. How do you consider how those experiences shaped you as an adult? These reflections can lead you to “aha” moments which allow you to dive deeper into yourself and continue your journey.
Identify patterns
Look for patterns in your behavior and emotions that may be linked to your inner child. For example, do you find yourself getting easily triggered by certain situations or people? Do you struggle with trust or abandonment issues? Well, these patterns can provide clues to the needs and wounds of your inner child. However, remember that while self-reflection can be helpful, to not fall into the self-diagnosis trap. Find an experienced and licensed therapist in Palm Beach Gardens, or wherever you may live to help you navigate your mental state.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness practices like meditation, journaling, and yoga can help you become more aware of your emotions and thoughts. It works by bringing you back to the present, which forces you to live your moment. After making it a habit, you might find this practice helps you face and accept yourself as you are. Accepting your whole self as you are (including your inner child) without judgment. While you can certainly achieve it yourself, working with a therapist can provide you and your inner child the safe space you both need to heal and grow with fewer setbacks.
Healing Your Inner Child
Show compassion and kindness to your inner child
In my time as a therapist in Palm Beach Gardens, I’ve seen too many people who hurt their inner child. Without even realizing it. . After habitually bringing yourself to the present and beginning to accept yourself, you can start the next part of the work. Remember that your inner child is a part of you and deserves to be treated with compassion and kindness. Rather than belittling it by pretending you always have to be strong, work to understand and validate the feelings and needs of your inner child.
Create a safe space for your inner child
So you can show your inner child compassion and kindness. This is a great step forward! But you still need to create a welcoming environment for them to heal and grow right? You need to find a physical or mental space where you can go to connect with your inner child. However, you don’t have to think or work too hard for it. This can easily just be a room in your home, a journal, or a special object. Once you’ve established a special place for you both to feel safe and work through your struggles, you can take that process further and start to notice more peace in your life. You’re no longer ignoring and invalidating an essential part of yourself.
Practice self-care and self-compassion
Taking care of yourself, both physically and emotionally, is crucial in healing your inner child. This includes being kind and compassionate towards yourself, setting boundaries, and making time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Bonus Step: Find Your Therapist Near Palm Beach Gardens
By taking the time to find and heal your inner child, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and improve your overall well-being. It’s a process that takes time, patience and consistent effort. With the right approach and support, however, it can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
But what if you find that your inner child is causing significant difficulties in your life? Well you may want to consider seeking the help of a therapist or counselor. I didn’t want to put this bonus step along with the others. But why separate it? Because this step can really fit in at any point in the process. Before starting, after going through step 6, or at any point in between. Any part of your self-improvement process is a good place to find and work with a therapist. Do you need a therapist near Palm Beach Gardens to provide guidance and support as you work through the healing process? Call me at (954) 600-6695 and let’s kickstart your healing process together.