Healing your childhood pain means learning how to reparent yourself in the way you needed.   In 3 posts today, I will be published some of the best books I have found for this process. I am starting with the older ones.

(1)  From Stages of Ages: Rechilding Your Inner Child by Elaine Gowell

Product description:

“Many of us reach Adulthood not ever aware that we have an Inner Child whose thoughts, feelings and early decisions {Core Beliefs) unconsciously govern our every action and reaction. We make child-like decisions which are no longer functional in our adult lives.”

“This book offers a series of experiences which are based on profound knowledge of developmental psychology. These suggested processes focus on the healing of past trauma. The book helps us to raise a new and deeper awareness of the Inner Child in each one of us.”

“As we grow up, we humans pass through specific stages which are clearly delineated in the literature. We know that when our growing up is disturbed by trauma, neglect, overindulgence or other kinds of discounting of our very nature we are left with scars on our soul and psyche.”

“These psychic scars can be gently revived, re-experienced and filled with the loving infusion of Re Childing and Corrective Parenting experiences which are described in this book. Given healthy relationships with healthy therapists who deeply understand the Stages of Development for normal Human beings one can understand that it truly is “Never too late to have a happy Childhood”.”

(2) From  Inner Bonding: Becoming a Loving Adult to Your Inner Child by Margaret Paul

From The Library Journal:

“This work teaches us to connect our inner adult (logical conscious mind) with our inner child (instinctual or gut feelings) so that we may live conflict-free lives. Paul has worked extensively with this form of psychotherapy, which she calls inner bonding, and is the author of several books on the subject.”

“Through loving behavior and acknowledgment of that “voice” within ourselves, the author claims that we can satisfy our own needs and not be totally dependent on others for happiness. She gives examples through her counseling work with those who want better family, marital, social, and work relationships and encourages outside help for special problems such as alcoholism, sex addiction, and codependency.”

“This is a very helpful book for both individuals and couples who want to learn how to acknowledge their inner needs and address fears and false beliefs that often stem from childhood. Recommended for large self-help and therapy collections.”
– Demetria A. Harvin, “Hospital Medicine,” New York

(3)  From The Turn Around Mom: How an Abuse and Addiction Survivor Stopped the Toxic Cycle for Her Family–and How You Can, Too! by Carrie Sipp

Product description:

“If you grew up in a dysfunctional, abusive, or addictive home, you are intimately familiar with violence, uncertainty, and suppressing your feelings. What you may not know, though, is how to create a sane, structured, and serene home for your own family when you never experienced these things yourself. Now you can.”

“Part courageous memoir, part influential how-to guide, The Turn Around Mom offers the tools you need to end the legacy of toxicity. With chilling vignettes from author Carey Sipp’s own abusive past, plus the tips and techniques she used to turn her life–and thus the lives of her children–around, this stirring story will be the daily touchstone that you and your family deserve.”

Photo credit–Pinterest