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