While it may sound a bit whimsical at first, getting in touch with and nurturing your inner child can be incredibly powerful. This process can help you reframe many aspects of your life and situations that may be causing you stress, as well as help you to heal from past traumas. Embracing your inner child can also make life more fun and adventurous, and help you see things in new, more imaginative ways. You may feel like you have lost your inner child entirely, but they are there, just waiting to be called upon when life feels far too “adult”. One of the most profound techniques sometimes used in therapy sessions is to imagine yourself as a child, and then see how it would feel to say the things to him or her that you routinely say to yourself. Many of us live with a never-ending stream of self-criticism playing on repeat in our minds, and this negative thought loop can be exhausting and make accomplishing goals nearly impossible. It can be easy to believe that we deserve these bashings, but imagine saying those things to yourself as a child and it immediately feels awful. Most of us think of ourselves as children and want to protect that little one, hug them, and tell them everything is going to be okay. By thinking of yourself in this way you can begin to change the way you treat yourself, becoming nurturing and encouraging instead of becoming your own worst enemy. Getting in touch with your inner child can also help you to remember dreams and goals you may have let go of in adulthood. Life can be difficult and make us feel like our dreams are out of reach, but if you are looking to make a major lifestyle change and find some renewed joy in the process, try tapping into one or two of those childhood dreams and making them a reality. You can also use this technique to forgive yourself for past mistakes. If you struggle with addiction, remember that as a child you did not intend on abusing substances or becoming addicted, and to protect that child you must acknowledge that it is time to ask for help.
At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.