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