The inner child represents the cognitive-emotional imprint from ages 0-7 when we absorb everything: love rejection boundaries shame joy. These patterns continue influencing adult life.
Roots
Jung called it Puer Aeternus — the eternal child. John Bradshaw brought the concept to the public. Richard Schwartz's IFS offers a systematic model for working with inner child parts. Gestalt works through direct dialogue between the adult and inner child.
In practice
When we react explosively to small criticism fear abandonment disproportionately or feel shame that doesn't match the situation — the inner child is often operating. Not "me" but an old part protected by old strategies that helped then but no longer serve now.
Guided imagery for healing
Guided imagery is one of the most effective ways to access inner child parts. The brain doesn't distinguish between imagined and real experience — so successful imagery enables real healing. Elite athletes use it for performance; in therapy it's a gateway to deep work.