Working With Your Inner Child for Trauma Recovery
When you hear the word “trauma,” it may conjure up images of extreme, tragic, violent events. This makes sense, of course, but there’s plenty of room for nuance in the realm of childhood trauma. These experiences come in all sizes and dimensions. Anything that is physically or emotionally painful qualifies. It’s important to not downplay any such event. In the mind of a child, trauma takes many forms, and you might have carried it into adulthood, where it exists as your inner child.
Whatever form it takes for you, your own childhood trauma will require time and considerable effort to move from wounded child toward healing adult.
The Range of Childhood Trauma
To clarify the intro, it’s useful to provide a sampling of what can result in a child being traumatized.
- Physical and verbal punishment
- Neglect
- Sexual abuse
- Grief and loss (including death, divorce, and abandonment)
- Lack of safety and basic needs
- Accidents, illness, or injury
Of course, to a child, things do not have to fit adult perceptions of extremity. A young person can suffer immensely from experiences like teasing, bullying, poor school performance, not fitting in, relocation, and perceived failure in areas like sports.
Inner Child Work
In a culture that mocks individuals for not “growing up,” it may feel counterintuitive to reconnect to our childhood self. Inner Child Work gives voice to our childhood needs, fears, dreams, and desires. Working with a trained professional, you aim to validate and heal your original self. This process is healing in that the younger you finally is embraced and understood. It’s also valuable to the adult version of you because it helps you rediscover attributes you may have discarded due to societal pressure, e.g.
- Playfulness
- Wonder
- Innocence
- Receptiveness
- Trust
5 Ways to Work With Your Inner Child for Trauma Recovery
1. Prepare Items From Your Past
Photographs and videos are an excellent start. But, get creative! Gather whatever mementos you have at your disposal. Ask around if that feels appropriate. You can use these items for the following steps. You can also keep them out and visible as a daily reminder that your inner child is present.
2. Take an Inward Journey
You may choose meditation or visualization or a blend of both. Let your memories and your emotions guide you as you reconnect to who you were when the trauma occurred. Pay very close attention to what you sense and feel as you get closer to the source.
3. Talk With Your Inner Child
How wonderful it would have been if an adult had taken time to counsel you when you needed it most. It’s not too late. Be that adult. Talk to your inner child with patience and compassion. Listen attentively and validate their experiences. Offer apologies or forgiveness whenever necessary.
4. Reconnect to What You Once Loved
You probably had a favorite book or game or movie or TV show as a child. Perhaps there was a place you loved to visit or a meal that comforted you. Revisit them all to get back into your mindset from that time period.
5. Protect and Reassure Your Inner Child
Your inner child lives in dread that the trauma will return or has never left. This may manifest in adult issues like social anxiety. When you feel on edge, tell your inner child something like: “You stay home and watch your favorite. I’ll handle this. I’ve got this.” Get into the habit of stepping up for yourself.
How to Get Started Helping Your Inner Child
Regardless of what childhood trauma you’ve endured, this process may sound like the support you’ve been longing for. Don’t put it off. Please read more about https://emdrtherapyheals.com/services/trauma therapy and reach out today for a free consultation to learn more. Phone and video sessions are available. Counseling has never been more accessible — even during times of crisis.
