Hopefully this isn't a silly question. In therapy we've been talking about checking in with my inner child, deep breathing, and reassuring myself everything is ok.

Ive recently started a new job and encountered a few upsetting situations. Each time I've taken deep breaths and spoken reassuringly to myself and it's calmed me down. Today I walked in on people talking about me. It was very upsetting and I came close to tears, but I decided to talk soothingly to my inner child and take deep breaths and now I feel ok. This is really shocking to me, and I can't help but doubt it. Is this really how it works? Or is it a placebo effect? I can't believe I was able to make my sadness go away by being introspective and speaking kindly to myself. Usually I just break down.

Can anyone relate? I am doubtful and confused and I don't know why.