What is an inner child?

For most of us in this world, something bad happens to us in our childhood.

As time goes on, that event lives as a fixed marker in our brains. It may dictate who we become, or how we act and feel in certain situations and relationships. 

Our inner child is the young person we were, who learned lessons the hard way. They try to keep us safe, by showing us what to be afraid of, and when. This can become troublesome if your inner child because highly alert to lots of things it deems to be unsafe or dangerous. They ring alarm bells on our behalf.

One example could be being left behind in a shop by accident.

The sheer panic for some children thinking that “mummy isn’t coming back” can trigger massive fears of abandonment. We might not realise it until a certain situation, smell or place reminds us in adulthood. Those feelings can come flooding back to adult relationships and result in massive insecurities or self-sabotage.

Childhood trauma shapes who we are as adults

A wounded inner child can undermine our lives as adults. 

Healing the inner child allows people to let go of worries and hurt that might have been hijacking their lives for years – if not decades. 

It’s not about re-living childhood trauma in a way that might damage us further. 

Instead, this kind of healing is about understanding and processing past experiences to foster a healthier, more present relationship with ourselves and others.

Tips for healing your inner child

I encourage many of my clients to do things with their time that their inner child would feel is a real treat – going to the beach for an Ince cream, watching their favourite TV show, or colouring in. Play, creativity and self care allow for that inner child to feel nurtured, liberated and cared for – perhaps in ways that were absent at the time.

When to see a counsellor

If you find yourself constantly stressed, quick to feel rage or brought to very tears easily, we should talk.

I always encourage my clients to book a trial session to begin with. This gives you a chance to feel less pressure in the session. I am available on telephone appointments, video chat as well as in person. Please give me a call to book your session.

I’m ready when you are.

Jackie Jones
Counselling in Greatstone
07961 771 838
contact@counsellingwithjackie.co.uk
www.counsellingwithjackie.co.uk