The Child in You

Synopsis

"Fantastic... Stefanie's practical, informative, inspiring and highly-accessible approach to addressing psychological phenomena makes this book a hit" -- Vex King, bestselling author of Good Vibes, Good Life

"I adored this book! Both mind-expanding and easy to digest, it is extremely helpful to me as a person, partner, mother and writer and my life is definitely better -- brighter, more enjoyable, less dominated by fear -- for having read it" -- Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of The Last Act of Love

The breakthrough million-copy international bestseller about how to find happiness by befriending your inner child

Everyone longs to be accepted and loved. Ideally, during childhood, we develop the self-confidence and sense of trust that will help us through life as adults. But the traumas that we experience in childhood also unconsciously shape and determine our entire approach to life as adults.

In The Child In You, bestselling author and psychologist Stefanie Stahl shares her proven approach for working with - and befriending - our inner child. Powerful, imaginative and practical - with clever exercises, from the three positions of perception to over-writing old memories - she shows how by renouncing our 'shadow child' and embracing our 'sun child,' we can learn to resolve conflicts, form better relationships, and find the answer to (almost) any problem.

"I thoroughly recommend The Child In You, which will help anyone who wants to improve their mental wellbeing. We should all know our inner child, and Stefanie Stahl shows how we can get to do so, exploring this concept with warmth and accessibility" -- Julia Samuel, author of Grief Works and This Too Shall Pass

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Summary

Chapter 1: The Shadow Child

* Summary: Explores the concept of the "shadow child," a part of the personality that is suppressed or hidden due to early childhood experiences. It discusses the consequences of neglecting this part of the self, leading to emotional turmoil and relationship problems.
* Example: A woman who experienced emotional neglect as a child develops low self-esteem and struggles to form meaningful connections with others. She has a recurring shadow child pattern of feeling like an outsider and unworthy of love.

Chapter 2: The Healing Child

* Summary: Introduces the "healing child," the inner wisdom and resilience that can be accessed to heal the shadow child. It emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, forgiveness, and nurturing the inner child.
* Example: A man who was emotionally abused as a child learns to practice self-compassion and self-care. He writes letters to his healing child, expressing love and support and acknowledging his past experiences.

Chapter 3: The Creative Child

* Summary: Explores the role of creativity in healing the inner child. It discusses how creative expression can release pent-up emotions, foster self-acceptance, and connect with the playful and curious aspects of the self.
* Example: A woman who struggled with anxiety and depression finds solace in painting. She uses her art to express her inner child's feelings and discovers a new sense of joy and fulfillment.

Chapter 4: The Wise Child

* Summary: Introduces the "wise child," the intuitive and insightful part of the personality that holds wisdom and guidance. It encourages listening to the inner voice and trusting one's intuition.
* Example: A man who had difficulty making decisions learns to trust his gut feelings. He listens to the messages from his wise child and experiences greater clarity and confidence in his choices.

Chapter 5: The Nurturing Child

* Summary: Emphasizes the importance of nurturing the inner child with love, care, and support. It discusses how to create a safe and nurturing environment to foster healing and growth.
* Example: A woman who experienced abandonment as a child creates a "safe place" in her home where she can retreat, rest, and replenish her emotional resources.

Chapter 6: The Healthy Child

* Summary: Discusses the characteristics of a healthy inner child, who is self-reliant, confident, and emotionally balanced. It provides guidance for integrating the various aspects of the child in you and creating a harmonious inner world.
* Example: A couple who had experienced relationship issues learn to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts from a place of mutual respect and understanding, reflecting the integration of their healthy child selves.