Healing Your Inner Child: A Journey to Wholeness

By Dr. Indrani Choudhury – Educator and Hypnotherapist
By Dr. Indrani Choudhury Academic & Hypnotherapist

Within each of us lives a little child — the part that once laughed without limits, loved openly, and also carried pain and disappointment. This “inner child” is not separate from us. It is our younger self, still quietly alive in our heart and mind.

Healing the inner child means offering love and care to that part which still holds old wounds, fears, and memories. It’s a way to feel whole again — more peaceful and more joyful in life. “Healing begins when you listen to the child inside.”
Who Discovered It
The idea of the inner child comes from psychology. The well-known psychologist Carl Jung spoke about the “child within” many years ago. Later, therapist John Bradshaw made it popular by writing books on how childhood experiences shape our adult lives. Since then, many psychologists and healers have used this concept to help people recover and grow.
Why It Matters in Psychology
Psychology teaches us that our early years shape who we become. When a child receives love, safety, and encouragement, they grow up with confidence. But if they experience neglect, harsh criticism, fear, or trauma, those memories often stay buried deep inside.
As adults, we may seem fine on the outside, yet the inner child still carries hurt. Healing allows us to comfort that part and step into adulthood with more balance and strength. “The past lives quietly inside us — until we choose to heal it.”
Symptoms of a Hurt Inner Child
When the inner child is wounded, it may show up as:
Low self-esteem
Fear of rejection or abandonment
People-pleasing behavior
Mood swings, anger, or sadness
Escaping through addictions or procrastination
Feeling lonely or empty despite having a good life
A Case Example
Imagine a man who constantly fears his friends will abandon him. He becomes clingy and anxious. Later he realizes that, as a child, his parents often left him alone, leaving him with deep feelings of abandonment.
Through inner child work in therapy, he slowly learns to comfort himself, trust again, and build healthier connections
 “When you soothe your inner child, your adult self feels secure too.”
Effects of Healing
Healing the inner child brings many benefits:
A greater sense of calm and balance
Breaking old, unhealthy patterns
More joy and playfulness in daily life
Stronger, more loving relationships
Self-acceptance and deeper self-love
The Powers of Healing
Healing also awakens hidden strengths:
Creativity – the joy to create, play, and imagine
Compassion – kindness for yourself and others
Courage – freedom from lingering fears
Confidence – trust that you are enough
 “Healing restores the parts of you that you thought were gone.”
How to Heal
Some helpful approaches include:
Therapy: Inner child therapy, counseling, or hypnotherapy
Self-work: Journaling, art, or letter writing to your younger self
Re-parenting: Speaking kindly to yourself as a loving parent would
Meditation: Visualizing your inner child in a safe, supportive space
A Simple Meditation – Touch of Love
 Sit quietly, close your eyes, and breathe deeply.
Picture your younger self standing before you. Notice their eyes, their small faces. They may look worried or sad.
. Smile gently. Step forward, hug them, and whisper:
“You are safe. You are loved. I am here for you.”
Let love flow from you into that child.
Stay in this moment for a while, then slowly open your eyes.
Self-Help Tips
Speak kindly to yourself daily
Do simple things that bring joy, like singing or painting
Write notes of love to your younger self
Create healthy boundaries in relationships
Surround yourself with people who genuinely care
“Small daily acts of self-love create deep healing.”
Daily Inner Child Healing Guide
Here are eight small practices to use often:
Morning Affirmation – Place a hand on your heart and say: “I am safe. I am loved. I will care for my inner child today.”
 Journaling – Spend 5–10 minutes writing your feelings. Ask: “What does my inner child need right now?”
. Play – Do something lighthearted — dance, draw, sing, or play with colors.
Meditation (5 minutes) – Close your eyes, breathe, and imagine hugging your inner child.
 Self-Compassion – When you make a mistake, tell yourself: “It’s okay, I’m learning.”
 Boundaries – Practice saying “no” when needed. Protecting your energy is an act of care.
Evening Gratitude – Before bed, list three things that made you feel safe or happy today.
. Weekly Ritual – Each week, do something your younger self enjoyed — a favorite food, a movie, or a walk in the park.
Is It for Everyone?
Yes. Every person has an inner child. Some may carry deeper wounds, others lighter ones, but healing always helps. Even if you had a happy childhood, connecting with your inner child can spark more joy, creativity, and peace.
Creating a New Life
When your inner child feels secure, you grow stronger. You stop living in fear and begin living with hope and resilience. This healing not only benefits you but also your loved ones and community. A healed person naturally radiates love and positivity.
 “When you heal yourself, you bring healing to those around you
Healing your inner child is a gentle practice of love and self-care. It means hearing that little voice inside, holding their hand, and promising: “I will protect you.
As you heal, you release old pain, and life becomes brighter. The journey makes you healthier, happier, and stronger. By healing yourself, you also help build a kinder, more loving world

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