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