Inner Child Healing: What It Is and What to Expect

Shambhala Healing Alchemy · 4 November 2026 · 5 minute read

Inner child healing is gentle work with the younger part of you: the feelings, needs and beliefs you formed as a child that still shape how you feel and react as an adult. The idea is simple. When a child's need for safety, comfort or love was not fully met, that feeling can stay with us. Inner child healing offers that younger self the kindness it needed, so old hurts can soften and old patterns can loosen. It is complementary support for wellbeing and self-understanding, not psychological therapy.

At Shambhala Healing Alchemy, inner child healing sessions with Rishi S run in person near Berwick and Narre Warren, in Melbourne's south east, or online.

What is the inner child?

"Inner child" is a way of describing the part of us that still carries childhood feelings and beliefs. Everyone has one. It is the part that lights up with play and wonder, and also the part that can feel small, scared or unseen when something today echoes something from long ago.

You do not need to have had a hard childhood to benefit. Even in loving families, children form beliefs like "I must be good to be loved", "my feelings are too much" or "I have to cope on my own". Those beliefs can quietly run in the background for decades.

Signs your inner child may need care

You find it hard to say no, or feel guilty when you rest
Your inner voice is critical, and you rarely feel "enough"
Small things set off big feelings of hurt, fear or anger
You feel anxious when someone pulls away, or you pull away first
The same relationship patterns keep returning
You feel you grew up too fast, or missed out on being carefree
Play, fun and creativity feel hard to reach

None of these mean something is wrong with you. They are simply invitations to look after a younger part of yourself.

What happens in an inner child healing session

A session takes 60 to 90 minutes:

A gentle conversation. What brings you in and what you would like to feel instead. You share only what you want to.
Deep relaxation. Slow breathing and a calm voice help your body settle. You stay aware and in control the whole time.
Meeting your younger self. You are guided, at your own pace, to an inner meeting with your younger self. Some people see a clear picture, some feel it, some simply sense it. All of these are fine.
Healing and comfort. You rest while Rishi works with energy healing and mantra, helping old heaviness release and giving your younger self the comfort, safety and love it needed.
Coming back and a home practice. A slow return, time to talk about what you noticed, and one small practice to keep the connection going.

How it may feel

Many people describe a sense of warmth, softness or relief, and some feel emotional. Tears are common and welcome. Others feel very little during the session and notice afterwards that they are kinder to themselves or less reactive. There is no right way for it to feel.

Simple inner child practices to try at home

A morning kind word. Put a hand on your chest and say, silently or out loud, "I'm here, and you're safe with me."
A childhood photo. Find a photo of yourself as a child. Look at it for a minute and notice what that child might have needed to hear.
A letter. Write a short letter to your younger self, then a reply from them. Keep it gentle.
Ten minutes of play. Draw, dance, build something, or go somewhere you loved as a child. Fun is part of the healing.

If any of these bring up more than you can comfortably hold, stop, breathe, and reach out for support.

When to look for extra support

Inner child healing is gentle, but childhood memories can bring up strong feelings. If you are working through childhood trauma or abuse, please do this work alongside a psychologist or counsellor. The Blue Knot Helpline (1300 657 380) supports adults with experiences of childhood trauma, and Lifeline is on 13 11 14, any time.

Inner child healing, past life regression or repeating patterns?

These sessions are related, and you can talk through which one suits you on a free call:

Inner child healing looks at feelings and beliefs from childhood in this life.
Past life regression explores impressions that may come from another time. See what to expect in a past life regression session.
Repeating patterns and old wounds works with a story that keeps returning, whatever its source.

If the pattern shows up mostly between you and one person, relationship healing may fit better.

Frequently asked questions

What is inner child healing?

Gentle work with the younger part of you: the feelings, needs and beliefs you formed as a child that still shape how you react today. In a session you meet that younger self with kindness and receive energy healing so old heaviness can soften.

Do I need to remember my childhood clearly?

No. Many people remember very little. The work follows feelings and images that come up naturally, and you can stop at any time.

Is inner child healing the same as therapy?

No. It is energy healing and guided relaxation. It sits well alongside counselling or psychology, and does not replace them.

How long is an inner child healing session?

60 to 90 minutes, including a conversation at the start and time to settle at the end.

Can inner child healing be done online?

Yes. You need a quiet room, headphones and somewhere comfortable to lie down. In-person sessions are near Berwick and Narre Warren, handy for Cranbourne, Pakenham and Officer.

Curious? See inner child healing with Rishi S, or book a free 15-minute call to ask questions first.

Energy healing and past life regression are complementary practices for relaxation, reflection and personal growth. They do not diagnose or treat any health condition and do not replace care from your doctor or psychologist. If you are struggling, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.

Related session: Inner child healing