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