my therapist and I have done some re parenting and I do think it is life saving for me. We have given the child side of me a nickname and if I want I can request things in her little bay"'s name. Like "I'm OK with you going on vacation but little bay is worried". On her last trip she took a stuffed animal of mine with her to comfort "little bay". I share things like pictures of my horses and pets, things I've done and she comments. I get good night texts every night right now.
Usually in session the first 45 minutes we spend talking and stuff and the last 15 minutes are "llittle bay"'s time. I can ask for hugs or snuggles or to have my neck scratched, or to play a game or look at a book. If the adult part of me has more pressing needs I can Also skip it and talk or sometimes we do yoga poses.
For me it has helped to have a specific time and place where those needs are ok. Ive often felt like a giant ball of need for love and touch and affirmation because of my childhood abuse and negLect. Those needs are out of place in adult friendships and with my partner the sexual component and fact that I am the primary bread winner cloud things. ( ie am i loved or just needed). And even a romantic partner of. Many years can't bear up under the need for that kind of love. So it's like a relief valve. For the first time I don't feel ready to.exploDe with pain and need constantly. There is somewhere safe to contain, express and explore those needs. And I am learning from my T's example to comfort "little bay" when my T is not around. It hasn't been an easy process but it's getting easier and it really has probably saved my life.