Do you constantly criticise yourself for mistakes or imperfections? Do you struggle to comfort yourself during difficult times? Are you overly permissive with yourself, lacking healthy limits and structure? Do you find it difficult to celebrate your achievements? Do you push yourself excessively without regard for your well-being? Do you neglect your basic needs (such as rest, nutrition, and health)? Is your internal dialogue predominantly harsh and punitive? Do you feel uncomfortable or awkward when practising self-compassion? If so, your inner parent likely needs attention and healing.

When we’re struggling with challenging thoughts or feelings, our natural instinct is to push away the discomfort. We want solutions that will make the pain disappear as quickly as possible. This desire is completely understandable. Yet, as a therapist, I’ve found that lasting healing rarely comes from bypassing our problems or applying quick fixes. Instead, it emerges when we create a safe space to nurture our curiosity and genuinely understand ourselves and our experiences.

Have you ever shared something deeply personal with someone you’re close with, only to receive a response that made you wonder if they were really listening? Or perhaps you’ve felt that hollow ache of disappointment when someone who claims to love you seems to misunderstand who you truly are?

Do you find yourself lying awake at night, wondering if you’ll ever feel truly comfortable in your intimate relationships? Perhaps you’re struggling with feelings of embarrassment or difficulties understanding your desires. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of past experiences that make it difficult to trust and connect with others. You’re not alone.

Do you ever catch yourself reacting to situations with the same intensity you felt as a teenager? Perhaps you shrink in important meetings, feeling that same insecurity you experienced in high school. Or maybe you still hear that critical inner voice telling you you're not good enough – the one that first emerged during those turbulent teenage years.

Do unresolved emotions or traumas from your past continue to influence your present-day reactions and choices? In the journey of self-discovery and personal growth, one important aspect to consider is the inner child—the part of ourselves that retains childhood memories, emotions, and beliefs. Our inner child influences our behaviours, relationships and emotional responses, profoundly shaping our adult lives. 

Do you struggle with self-esteem or self-worth issues that seem to stem from childhood experiences? Are you prone to intense emotional reactions or triggers that seem disproportionate to the present situation? Are you interested in developing greater self-awareness and compassion toward yourself and others? Journaling is a powerful tool for reparenting and inner child healing.

In the reparenting journey, nurturing your inner child is a powerful way to heal past wounds and provide the love and support you may not have received in your formative years. This activity will guide you in imagining your inner child and writing a compassionate letter acknowledging their feelings and needs.