The Inner Child Workbook: What to do with your past when it just won't go away

by Cathryn L. Taylor

Recovery therapist Cathryn Taylor offers a step-by-step guide to reparenting the children within and healing their shame, anger, and feelings of abandonment. Using written and verbal exercises, guided imagery, journaling, drawing, mirror work, and rituals, you can change your experience of the past.

For each of the seven stages of childhood, you will follow six
• Identify your pain.
• Research its childhood roots.
• Re-experience the pain.
• Separate from it.
• Grieve the losses of each stage.
• Ritually release the pain and reclaim the joy of each inner child.

In the end, you will reap the rewards of the wisdom of your true self.

"This easy-to-follow six-step formula helps you contact true spirituality through ritual and imagery, while healing your inner children. The book is brilliant, and serves as a bridge between the psychological and the spiritual."--Laurel King, Author of Women of Power and coauthor of Living in the Light

"Cathryn Taylor takes the next for her, the inner child is a palpable and real force in life. Methodically she applies a healing formula for each stage of growth and development, offering each of us valuable help in completing the child’s unfinished business."--Jeremiah Abrams, Editor of Reclaiming the Inner Child

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Parenting, Personal Development, Counselling

272 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1991

Reviews

[Wendy Reiersen]

This is another book not to be read straight through. It has promise, and I want to take my time and use what I learn from it. I'd actually love to put together a support group of others working through this book also. A face to face group would be best, but this could also be done online, if anyone is interested.

[Katrina Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book every human should go through at some point in life and take your time going through it. It is not to done lightly with activities and exercises that help you heal and become whole.

Before this book, I have gone to therapy three separate times for a year straight each time, done EMDR, and EFT for years to give you perspective. Therapy was spread out one time in college, early 30s, and mid 30s. Beyond that, journaling, prayer, Bible studies, nature walks, workouts, and reading etc.

All of this prepared me to be ready for a book like this on my own. It is easily an experience you could go through with a therapist and/or trusted friend and group and likely may want to either way. I take intentional time to dive into the book 1-3x a week during uninterrupted times with space and no rush.

Cathryn beautifully and lovingly breaks out the book into sections of our lives. I have received so much revelation and released so much from the past already that has impacted the present and undoubtedly would have the future.

I did this book over an entire year in 2023. I recommend you take your time and/or do this with a therapist.

Highly recommend !

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Sinnergee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathryn Taylor's work is a must for anyone suffering from PTSD. The exercises available in the Inner Child Workbook are effective, transforming, and necessary for healing emotional trauma. She has continued to evolve her inner child work over the years and it just keeps getting better. Nobody understands and teaches about the needs of the inner child quite like Cathryn.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very thoughtful series of exercises that are well-rationalised.

It's also an interesting read from the perspective of early childhood education, or those working with parents and babies about what sorts of injuries we're trying to prevent. I've adapted many of the activities as preventative explorations very effectively.

[Jessica Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent guide on getting in touch with, grieving and making peace with your inner child selves.

[Jacky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has helped me heal so much trauma

[Nicci Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beautiful reflection of a treasure i own in both physical and audio form. Initially, I planned to read the paper book first and then follow up with the audio version. However, I changed course and began by listening to the audiobook, referencing the paper copy along the way for reinforcement.
Starting this journey with a fair understanding of inner child healing, I was still blown away by how much depth and clarity this book brought to my existing knowledge. It served as a powerful addition to my healing regimen—a true gift.
One aspect I deeply appreciated was the author's willingness to reference other valuable works, creating a rich, interconnected toolkit for healing. This openness only added to the authenticity and usefulness of the material.
The narration also stood out as It carried an energy of compassion and love that truly enhanced the author's intention. It felt like more than just information—it felt like being held in a space of healing.

[Reem Oz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taylor's writing style is empathetic and supportive, creating a safe space for readers to explore their inner child and navigate the healing journey. The book also includes personal stories and case examples that illustrate the transformative power of inner child work.
Whether you are new to inner child healing or have already embarked on this journey, "The Complete Guide to Understanding and Healing Your Inner Child" offers a valuable roadmap to navigate the process of reconnecting with your authentic self, resolving past traumas, and fostering inner healing and growth.

[Kim Eisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well laid out. Deep work can be done using this book. Even though written years ago, still relevant.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the different stages in childhood and so many things made more sense to me. There are a lot of exercises I want to work on in the future which I think will be very useful.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my lifesaver!!!

[Donna Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice techniques to use in this book. Easy to read. Plenty of exercises.