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