Trigger pain refers to the emotional pain that arises when a current situation, word or behavior activates old, unprocessed wounds from the past. It often feels disproportionately intense - far stronger than the current situation would actually justify. Recognizing trigger pain can be an important first step on the path to inner healing.
Shadow work is a psychological process based on C.G. Jung's concept of the shadow. It involves consciously dealing with repressed, rejected or unconscious parts of your personality in order to integrate them and thereby promote inner wholeness.
Reparenting refers to the process of fulfilling those emotional needs as an adult that remained unmet in childhood. It is about becoming the caring, boundary-setting presence towards yourself that you may have missed as a child.
The ACE study (Adverse Childhood Experiences) is one of the most important longitudinal studies on the effect of stressful childhood experiences on health in adulthood. It provides important information on the connection between early trauma and long-term well-being.
Schema therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that combines cognitive behavioral therapy with depth psychological and experiential methods. It was developed to understand and change deeply rooted, life-impairing patterns of thought and behavior - so-called schemas.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a psychological model and therapeutic approach that assumes that our psyche consists of different inner parts or sub-personalities. The aim is to create harmony between these parts and to find access to the so-called self.
Complex trauma, also known as C-PTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), is caused by repeated, often prolonged traumatic experiences - frequently in childhood. It differs from classic PTSD in that it has additional effects on self-image, emotion regulation and relationship skills.
The inner child is a psychological concept that describes the sum of childhood experiences, feelings, needs and beliefs that live on in us. It unconsciously influences how we form relationships, react to stress and face ourselves.
Beliefs are deeply rooted convictions about ourselves, other people and the world that usually arise in childhood. They unconsciously shape how we perceive, evaluate and react to situations. Many of these inner beliefs are helpful - others can restrict and burden us.
Inner parts are different psychological sub-personalities that operate within us - each with their own feelings, beliefs and behaviors. The concept originates from modern psychological approaches such as the Internal Family Systems Model and can help to better understand inner conflicts.
The inner adult is a psychological concept that describes the part of us that can act with prudence, self-responsibility and compassion. It stands opposite the wounded inner child and can be strengthened as an inner resource.
The shadow child is a psychological image for that part of us that carries wounds, fears and limiting beliefs from childhood. It represents the wounded, often hidden inner child and unconsciously influences our reactions in adult life.
The sun child is the counterpart to the shadow child and represents the inner part that carries our strengths, positive experiences and our very own zest for life. It stands for the carefree, curious and loving child that lives within us.
Attachment styles describe typical patterns of how people form emotional closeness and relationships - shaped by early experiences with caregivers. Attachment research distinguishes between four main styles: secure, anxious, avoidant and disorganized.
Old wounds that are still with us today - inner child work can help us to gently understand and transform them.
Reparenting means giving yourself what you lacked in childhood - security, boundaries, care. How to achieve this.
Why do you keep choosing similar partners? Your inner child might know the answer—and the path to change.
Rejection, abandonment, humiliation - the 5 wounds of the inner child leave a deep mark on us. Recognize which wound accompanies you.
The inner child is more than a metaphor - discover what lies behind it and why it can still influence your life today.