6 Signs Your Inner Child is Healing

Do you know what it means to “heal your inner child”? An increasingly popular topic among self-help and mental wellness circles, the concept of the inner child refers to the part of ourselves that retains the memories, emotions, and experiences from our early years. These experiences, whether positive or negative, can significantly impact our emotional well-being and influence our adult lives. 

Healing the inner child involves acknowledging and addressing past wounds, fostering self-compassion, and allowing ourselves to reconnect with the innocence, wonder, and joy of childhood. Through the transformative process of reconnecting with and healing our inner child, we rediscover joy and emotional wholeness. A word of caution, however: If you have a history of trauma, it may be better to explore your inner child with the guidance and support of a licensed mental healthcare professional.

With that said, here are 6 signs that your inner child is healing, according to experts:

Increased Self-Awareness

One of the initial signs of inner child healing is an enhanced self-awareness, says therapist Kim Egel. She explains that recognizing the things that caused you pain in childhood and understanding their impact on you today is an important part of the healing process. ANd in doing so, we naturally become more attuned to our emotions, triggers, and patterns of behavior. We develop a deeper understanding of how our past experiences have shaped our present reactions, enabling us to make conscious choices rather than being driven solely by unconscious wounds.

Emotional Release and Catharsis

In relation to our earlier point, healing the inner child often involves addressing and releasing repressed emotions that have accumulated over time. Psychologist Dr. Diana Raab says that in opening a dialogue with our inner child, we may experience moments of emotional release and catharsis. This is a positive sign that we are creating space within ourselves for healing, allowing old wounds to be acknowledged, and making room for new, healthier emotions to emerge. She also suggests trying therapeutic activities such as letter writing, journalling, and meditation to help with this. 

Heightened Sense of Joy and Wonder

One of the most beautiful aspects of healing our inner child is the rediscovery of joy, wonder, and spontaneity. And as we reconnect with our inner child, we start to appreciate the small pleasures in life, finding delight in simple experiences and activities that may have been overshadowed by responsibilities and adulthood. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Alex Klein, our inner child’s healing is reflected in our ability to laugh wholeheartedly, play without inhibition, and approach life with a sense of curiosity and awe.

Enhanced Creativity and Playfulness

What is something you loved to do when you were a child? Whatever it is, you may find yourself doing more of it lately as you heal your inner child. Dr. Klein explains that you may also notice a resurgence of creativity and playfulness in your life. Engaging in creative endeavors such as painting, writing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument become a source of joy and self-expression for you. Allowing your inner child’s creativity to flourish can bring a renewed sense of vitality and a fresh perspective to your life.

More Self-Compassion and Self-Nurturing

According to clinical social worker Tricia Johnson, as our inner child heals, we learn to extend love, kindness, and understanding to the younger parts of ourselves that have endured pain or neglect. We become more forgiving of our past mistakes and embrace self-care as an essential aspect of our well-being. Engaging in activities that nourish our soul, such as hobbies, self-reflection, or spending time in nature, becomes a priority as we prioritize our own emotional needs and treat ourselves with more compassion. 

Increased Emotional Resilience

Healing your inner child equips you with greater emotional resilience over time, says psychologist Dr. Tiffany Brown. As you confront past wounds, work through emotional pain, and develop healthier coping mechanisms, you become more resilient in the face of challenges. You bounce back more quickly from setbacks and are better equipped to manage stress and adversity because your inner child’s healing journey strengthens your emotional core, explains Dr. Brown. 

Recognizing the signs of healing in your inner child is a powerful indication that you are on the path to emotional restoration and personal growth. As you continue to nurture and honor this vulnerable part of yourself, you will experience a profound sense of wholeness, authenticity, and a rekindled zest for life. 

So, Psych2Goers, have you started to heal parts of your inner child? What signs do you notice? Let us know in the comments down below! And if you found this valuable/helpful, please support our work by leaving a like, comment and subscribe.

References:

• Estrada, J. (2022, Dec 10). 8 Signs You’re Healing Your Inner Child, According to Therapists. Well + Good. https://www.wellandgood.com/signs-youre-healing-your-inner-child/
• Johnson, T. & Moawad, H. (2022 Oct 11). 8 Tips for Healing Your Inner Child. Choosing Therapy. https://www.choosingtherapy.com/inner-child-healing/
• Klein, A. & Raypole, C. (2023, Feb 13). 8 Ways to Start Healing Your Inner Child. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/inner-child-healing#be-open