You can begin inner child work at any time. Although it can seem like a complicated process at first, it’s often more approachable than it appears. If you experienced trauma as a child, it’s strongly recommended to work with a therapist when exploring inner child work, as this provides safety and support.
Inner child work involves reconnecting with younger parts of yourself that may still hold beliefs from past experiences, painful emotions, or unmet needs. When connecting with your inner child, it’s important not to rush. This process is about building a relationship with yourself, not reliving trauma. If intense memories surface and you feel overwhelmed, it’s essential to pause, ground yourself, and return to the present before continuing.
Some people prefer to connect through meditation, while others find journalling helpful. Both approaches can be effective.
To begin, choose a safe and comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed. Ground yourself by slowing your breathing, noticing your feet on the floor, and bringing your awareness into the present moment. You might gently remind yourself, “I am here as the adult now.”
Close your eyes and imagine yourself at a younger age. This doesn’t need to be a clear visual image — even a sense or feeling can be powerful. With curiosity and without judgement, you might ask:
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“How old are you?”
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“How are you feeling?”
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“What do you need from me now?”
Your role is simply to listen, bear witness, and validate whatever arises. Gentle reassurance such as “That sounds really hard”, “I can see why you felt that way”, or “You didn’t deserve to go through that” can be deeply healing.
This is a simple starting point for inner child work. Many people find it especially powerful when explored in the counselling room with a trusted, qualified therapist.
If you feel you might benefit from inner child work, I offer trauma-informed counselling in Hampshire, supporting clients from Winchester, Salisbury, Andover, Romsey, and surrounding areas.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07759 453339