Inner child work addresses the child-self who developed anorexia nervosa-related patterns in response to early experiences — and who still needs healing.
What Inner Child Work Means for Anorexia Nervosa
The 'inner child' isn't metaphysical — it refers to the internalized representations of childhood experiences that drive adult anorexia nervosa patterns.
When anorexia nervosa arises in adult situations that echo childhood experiences, the inner child's unmet needs or fears are often activated.
Inner Child Work Techniques for Anorexia Nervosa
- Compassionate self-dialogue: Speaking to the part of yourself that developed anorexia nervosa patterns with the kindness you'd offer a child
- Journaling to your younger self: What would you tell the child experiencing anorexia nervosa for the first time?
- Imagery work: Guided visualization to 'reparent' the child who developed anorexia nervosa responses
Finding a Therapist for Inner Child Work and Anorexia Nervosa
Schema therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and psychodynamic therapy all incorporate inner child work as part of anorexia nervosa treatment.