inner child work

The concept of the inner child refers to the wounded part of ourselves that has been hurt in childhood. The inner child can hold on to past traumas, negative beliefs of self, and unresolved emotional issues that can impact our adult lives. Healing the inner child is an important part of personal growth and can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life. Here are some ways to heal your inner child:

  1. Acknowledge the pain: The first step in healing your inner child is to acknowledge the pain and trauma that you experienced as a child. This involves looking at 5 core areas related to self-esteem, boundaries, reality issues, dependency issues and moderation/containment issues.

  2. Practice self-compassion: Learn to speak and love this part that is typically very young. Validate their needs/wants.

  3. Written work: this involves a detailed look into your childhood and see what you needed and perhaps did not get.

  4. Connect with your various inner children: I will guide you through a imagery to connect with your wounded parts from your past. We will identify them, validate them and rescue them.

  5. Release negative emotions: Learn when your inner children are talking to you or need your help. Learn to give them what they need and reparent them.

  6. Practice forgiveness: Forgiving those who hurt you in the past can be a powerful step in healing your inner child. This may involve forgiving your parents, family members, or other significant people in your life. Remember this is not about blaming your parents, but acknowledging that they were accountable.

  7. Set healthy boundaries: Continue to set healthy boundaries from your most adult part (self or functional adult). This will help protect your inner child and help you to feel more protected and connected.

  8. Continued growth and spiritual work: We live in a very triggering, comparative world where there is constant distraction. Set your intention to be operating out of your functional adult just for today.

Healing your inner child is a powerful process that can help you overcome past traumas and emotional wounds. This work is not easy, but with time and practice, this work can allow you to access the most functional parts of yourself.

In love and gratitude,

Lauren

grief 12/14/23

It hits me in waves when I least expect it. One would think with the holidays coming up, sure, it would be present, but in actuality, it feels dormant. I find myself blocking out memories and focusing on giving my child the love, joy and excitement that I felt as a kid. Lists, presents, activities, food, smells and the busiest time of year for me as a therapist keep me occupied from acknowledging my rock of grief.

It’s been over 8 years since my sweet dad left this earth. One would think that it would be not as difficult or that it would bring my happiness to think of him, but it’s still hard. It’s different. My son said that his holiday wish would be to “bring back Papa Brezner because he wants to meet him.” Instantly my heart sank. How sweet and shitty it is.

To all my precious patients, friends, fellow grievers, I see you and feel/hold your pain. Life is so incredibly brutal and yet we have these moments of pure connection. I continue to seek connection relentlessly as a way to heal those most deeply wounded parts.

With so much love and gratitude,

Lauren