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Inner Child Therapy: The 10 Archetypes, Reparenting & Clinical Protocols
- LCCH Asia
- Dec 8, 2025
- 5 min read
Inner Child Therapy is often misunderstood by the general public. To the uninitiated, it can sound "happy-clappy" or overly simplistic.
Peter Mabbutt (Director of Studies, LCCH Asia) explains, it is a robust, clinical tool grounded in dissociation, trauma theory, and psychodynamics.
The "Inner Child" is not merely a metaphor. It represents a distinct, unique, time-frozen aspect of a person's psyche. When a child experiences trauma, neglect, or even significant emotional events, that part of the mind can become "stuck" at that age.
The thoughts, behaviours, and feelings of the 4-year-old or 13-year-old persist into adulthood. This often hijacks the adult's reactions during moments of stress.
This guide explores the theoretical foundations, the 10 Types of Inner Child, and the specific clinical protocols used to treat conditions ranging from anxiety to bruxism.
Theoretical Foundations: Where Does It Come From?
Inner Child work is not an isolated modality. It draws from several major psychological traditions:
Carl Jung & Archetypes: Jung introduced the concept of the "Child Archetype" as part of the collective unconscious. He described the Puer Aeternus (eternal boy) and Puella Aeterna (eternal girl), archetypes that influence our creativity, spontaneity, and sometimes our refusal to grow up.
Transactional Analysis (TA): Eric Berne's model of the three ego states is foundational.
The Parent: The internalised voice of authority figures.
The Adult: The rational, "here-and-now" mediator.
The Child: The seat of emotions, creativity, and past conditioning.
Modern Pioneers: Dr Lucia Capacchione and John Bradshaw popularised the concept in the 1970s and 90s, introducing practical tools like reparenting and non-dominant hand writing.
The Landscape of the Psyche: The 10 Types of Inner Child
Peter Mabbutt identifies various "types" of Inner Child presentations. These are not rigid boxes but helpful frames of reference for diagnosis and treatment.
The Abandoned Child: This archetype feels lonely, insecure, and unwanted. It often stems from divorce, busy parents, or emotional absence, leading to a fear of abandonment in adult relationships.
The Neglected Child: Typically depressed and withdrawn. They believe they are unworthy of love because they were never nurtured.
The Playful/Free Child: This is the healthy, resourceful state. They are spontaneous, creative, and free from guilt. Therapy aims to reconnect clients with this part.
The Spoiled Child: Impatient and prone to tantrums, operating on the belief "I want it now".
The Fearful Child: Suffering from high anxiety and panic, this part needs constant affirmation and reassurance.
The Disconnected Child: Isolated and fearful of intimacy. Emotions may be frozen due to past shaming, such as being shamed for innocent childhood exploration.
The Discounted Child: Lacks self-belief. They were treated as if they didn't exist or were an irritant.
The Wounded Child: Fears rejection and smothering. This part often self-medicates with alcohol, food, or drugs to numb the pain.
The Rebellious Child: Rebels against authority and conformity. While they can be destructive or self-harming, they also hold great creative power.
The Adapted Child: Conforms to fit in. Their behaviour is driven by guilt, shame, and the need to please.
The Therapeutic Process: From Stabilisation to Integration
Therapy is not linear, but it generally follows a three-stage framework.
Stage 1: Stabilisation & Preparation
Before doing deep work, the client must feel safe.
The Safe Space: Establish a mental sanctuary where the Inner Child can feel protected.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Use breathwork to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest). This creates the physiological state of calm necessary for trauma processing.
Stage 2: Change (The Core Work)
This is where the intervention happens.
Inviting the Child In: Gently inviting the specific Inner Child (e.g., the "Bruxism Child" or "Angry Child") to step into the Safe Space.
Dialogue & Validation: The adult self listens to the child's pain, anger, or grief without judgment.
Reparenting: The adult self offers the love, protection, and validation the child didn't receive in the past.
Stage 3: Maintenance of Change
Future Pacing: Imagining the future with the healed Inner Child integrated into the adult self.
Integration: Ensuring the change lasts by continuing to check in with the Inner Child.
Core Protocol: How to "Reparent"
The most common technique used is the Reparenting Protocol.
Safety: Enter the Safe Space.
Invitation: Invite the Inner Child.
Validation: Say, "I hear you. I value you".
Apology: Acknowledge the gap. "I am sorry I haven't been there for you, but I am here now".
Permission: Validate the emotion. "It is okay to feel angry, sad, or happy".
Unconditional Love: Express love to the child, which effectively becomes self-love.
Once healed, you may use the "Growing Up" Protocol. Show the child the adult's achievements ("We survived. Look at what we accomplished") and invite them to "grow up" and integrate, or remain a happy, free child within.
Clinical Applications: Treating Specific Conditions
Inner Child Therapy is effective for a wide range of "stuck" behaviours.
A. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
The Mechanism: An unconscious clamping down on emotion.
Case Study: A client whose bruxism started during his parents' "perfect" divorce. His Inner Child felt to blame.
Approach: Identify the specific child present at the onset. Reparent them, assure them it wasn't their fault, and release the "clamped" emotion.
B. Weight Control & Emotional Eating
The Mechanism: Food acts as medication (dopamine) or a love substitute.
Approach: Identify the "Overeating Child." This child is often a Protector State masking a depressed or lonely child. Validate the need ("You wanted to feel good") and help the child find healthy ways to manage emotion like play or movement.
C. Addiction
The Mechanism: Addiction is a misguided attempt to meet a wounded child's needs or mask pain.
Approach: Connect with the Wounded or Neglected Child. Heal the underlying trauma driving the addiction.
D. Panic Attacks
The Mechanism: A frightened Inner Child reacting to a trigger.
Approach: The Adult Self takes responsibility, saying "I will protect you. I will manage this".
Q&A: Common Clinical Nuances
Can an Inner Child exist in the womb?
Yes. Clients can carry feelings of being "unwanted" from utero if the mother was stressed or considering termination. This "foetal" Inner Child can be healed through reparenting and welcome.
What if the Inner Child is rude or aggressive?
This is common in trauma survivors. The rudeness is a defence mechanism. Validate it ("It's okay you're angry"), then work to build trust so they don't need the defence.
Should we force forgiveness?
No. Forgiveness cannot be forced. If a client cannot forgive an abuser (even a deceased parent), aim for acceptance and moving on.
Conclusion: From Saboteur to Ally
Inner Child work is about integration. It transforms the "time-frozen" parts of the psyche from saboteurs into allies.
Whether treating trauma, physical symptoms like bruxism, or relationship patterns, the goal is to help the client become a whole, cohesive self. In this state, the Adult guides the ship, and the Free Child provides the joy.
As Peter Mabbutt advises, don't be rigid. Follow the flow. If the child needs to scream, let them scream. That is where the healing lies.
