What if the inner child is a memory. We don't really understand how memories work..but from our own experience we know they are not linear. We can access a memory and almost 'be there', as if turning back time.

As a child, in an abusive or traumatic situation, there is a memory of strong and unresolved feelings. In a way, talking to the person in that memory, since the memory was formed as a child is 'like' talking to a different person. By doing that and acknowledging the feelings from that memory, is like editing our own life story. We can heal our memories by giving that child in our mind what we really needed and never got.

Bloom3, try to think about what you were trying to do by acting out as a child? I'd bet you were trying to protect yourself in the best way that you knew how. Sunrise suggested thanking the child, and giving her positive attention. By doing that you would be offering some understanding and resolution, and taking back power over that memory.

It can be hard to think of yourself with kindness, when you want to send part of yourself to siberia But just think of what story might unfold if you start to edit it yourself. We can't take out the painful parts, but we can add in some beauty to balance it all.