Inner Child Integration
The unconscious acting out of the Inner Child is often what first shows as problematic. Unaware that their Inner Child is running the show, the Adult Child becomes defensive, violent, small, and/or fearful. The more one becomes conscious in therapy and recovery, the more one can access the Inner Child and have the adult self extend the work of parenting– offering whatever comfort, care, needs, protection, listening and company the Inner Child might need.
In therapy, this integration can be done with visualization, chair work/parts work, writing (for homework), and through some body-based psychotherapy at times.