Reconnecting with Your Inner Child | Codependency Self Help Week 6 | CBT Recovery Series
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In Week 6 of the Codependency Recovery Series, the focus is on reconnecting with your inner child. The inner child often struggles with fears of abandonment, which can lead to codependent behaviors. To start reconnecting with your inner child, it is suggested to get to know them better. This can be done by looking at pictures of your younger self and creating a scrapbook that includes things you liked to do, pets, and important memories. It is important to reflect on who you were and what you enjoyed, as many people with codependent behaviors were taught that their thoughts, wants, and needs didn't matter. Placing a picture of your younger self next to your bed and on the fridge can serve as a reminder throughout the day.
The next step is to be the parent to your inner child that you deserved. This involves recognizing and acknowledging your feelings, whether they are anxious, angry, happy, or giddy. Envisioning your child self going through a day can help you understand how you would have wanted your caregivers to act. It is important to prioritize both responsibilities and fun activities for yourself throughout the week. Spend time getting to know your inner child and paying attention to your feelings and desires. Sometimes your inner child may want to do grown-up things, and that's okay. When you start feeling anxious or angry, it may be a sign that your inner child feels unsafe. Acknowledge those feelings and think about how you would have wanted your caregivers to respond when you were a child. Treat yourself with the same care and support.
If you feel comfortable, you can also look at a picture of your younger self and think about a time when you experienced failure, rejection, or loss. This exercise helps identify trauma memories and unresolved emotions from the past. Start with a memory that is mildly distressing rather than diving into the worst memory ever. Reflect on how child you felt during that experience and how your supports responded. Consider how you wish they would have responded and provide that support to your inner child now.
For the rest of the week, focus on becoming aware of your feelings and reactions. Whether you feel off, vulnerable, tired, numb, happy, or silly, take the time to check in with your inner child and understand how they are feeling. Validate your feelings and provide safety and support to your inner child. It is important to remember that building trust and feeling safe takes time, just like it would with someone new. Your inner child, who has experienced betrayal and abandonment, needs to learn that you are safe and will protect them from past traumas.
In Week 6 of the Codependency Recovery Series, the focus is on reconnecting with your inner child. T