Inner Child

Refers to the childlike part of our unconscious mind. Many trace the concept of an inner child back to psychiatrist Carl Jung. Essentially, our inner child is the forgiving, free-spirited part of us that still feels and experiences life as a child. Whether you realise it or not your relationship with your inner child can have a huge impact on your life. In fact, everything from your mental health, physical wellbeing, achievements, relationships with others and even ability to feel joy can all be affected by this younger you. This younger self (or selves) can have a big impact on how you see the world. In the words of John Bradshaw, author of Home Coming, ‘Our childhood becomes the filter through which all new experiences must pass.'

See: Trauma.