Read about my firsthand experience recovering from childhood abuse through Inner Child work. For those of us who may have experienced feelings of self-hatred, shame, or low self-worth due to complex trauma, Inner Child work can be a gentle way to start to connect with those wounded parts of ourselves. I’ll guide you through how to start this healing work by making a collage of your childhood photos.

Trauma fragments you into parts. A trauma informed therapeutic approach can include Identifying these parts through acknowledging thoughts, feelings, body sensations, belief systems and memories. Bringing mindful awareness to these parts of yourself can help you heal from trauma by integrating them into who you are now.

As a survivor of childhood sexual and emotional abuse, I grew up with no clear memories of the abuse but was still experiencing trauma symptoms. It wasn’t until I started trauma informed therapy that I was able to start to address what happened to me. I’m sharing what I learned in case it could be helpful to those with a similar experience.

A holistic approach to therapy integrates mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health to promote balance and overall well-being. You are seen as a whole person, with acknowledgment of all the various parts that make you who you are. You are seen as a whole person, and therapy explores how your medical and personal history have influenced your mental health.

What is the “culture” or value system of therapy? Depending on your cultural background, therapy may or may not have been part of your culture. Read about what to expect in terms of privacy, boundaries, and personal agency in the culture of therapy.