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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Fantastic resource if you are wanting to do some deep "inner work."

It delves into every aspect of your "inner child's" experience, which at times can be overwhelming.

I had to put the book down for a few months to take a break and found myself doing mini breaks along the way.

However, by the end, it was definitely worth it.

Although I may not have bought into every exercise, the vast majority of this book was extremely helpful and impactful.

It provides valuable insights and tools for self-discovery and personal growth.

I would highly recommend this book to those who are highly motivated and willing to explore and understand their childhood experiences.

It can be a transformative journey that leads to greater self-awareness and emotional well-being.

Whether you are dealing with past traumas or simply looking to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, this book has something to offer.

So, if you are ready to embark on this inner exploration, give this book a try.
July 15,2025
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I happened to encounter the concept of "inner child" work within the realm of therapeutic practices. It is believed that by delving into the behaviors and patterns acquired (either explicitly or implicitly) in the distant past, often during childhood, one can gain valuable insights into current problems and patterns in life. One approach to exploring these conditioned behaviors is to direct our typical social relating skills inward and interact with our memories and felt experiences of childhood as if they were those of an actual child.

Bradshaw adeptly leads the reader through a series of guided meditations and exercises. These are精心 designed to playfully and vividly focus our attention and sensations on our childhood experiences. Listening to this as an audiobook is undoubtedly the optimal choice.

However, I noticed that the editing was rather disjointed,跳跃 between on-stage lectures and recorded meditation instructions. I also wish there had been more content, more personal anecdotes, and a broader discussion of "inner children". Nevertheless, I will be returning to these exercises for a long time to come!
July 15,2025
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What can be said about John Bradshaw?

He is truly a remarkable individual. What a loving and engaging man he is! Through his books and lectures, he has had a profound impact on countless people, bringing them much-needed healing and growth.

This particular book holds a special significance as it offers a great deal of healing and hope to anyone who had to endure a dysfunctional childhood.

It provides valuable insights and practical tools that can help those individuals come to terms with their past, understand the root causes of their pain, and begin the process of moving forward and building a more fulfilling life.

John Bradshaw's work is a testament to his compassion and his dedication to helping others, and this book is just one example of the positive change he has been able to bring about in the lives of so many.
July 15,2025
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Az otthon az a hely, ahol tudjuk, kik vagyunk.

It is the place where we can truly relax and unwind.

We feel safe there, able to play freely and express our life energy through dance.

It is a place where everything makes sense because we are valued.

We can make it beautiful and then protect it.

It is a place where we are loved unconditionally, as there is enough room for both failures and growth.

It is a place where we don't have to suppress the pain, as there is room for every kind of emotion to be experienced and purified.

It is a place where we can experience the uplifting sense of completeness.

This home is within our own hearts, and that's where we must create it.

These thoughts occurred to me as I was reading this book. What makes it different from many other self-help books on similar topics? It is well-structured, comprehensive, and very dense, allowing us to understand the connections hidden within the human soul due to its in-depth exploration. It's like a fundamental work. I would have loved to quote a lot from it, but that's impossible as there is so much.

There are numerous exercises and meditations in the book, after each chapter, once it breaks down the childhood development stages and the associated traumas. It helps to pinpoint and direct our attention to specific wounds, which is also quite unique. At least, I haven't encountered it like this before.

Deep within each of us lives a grown-up wounded child who needs a shorter or longer healing process. Dysfunctional family systems and terrible school systems have raised us, and the current trends, our environment, and the functioning of society are already killing our relationships (whether we want to connect with ourselves or with others). But we can start the process of understanding and then healing ourselves, and by doing so, we have already done a lot to "take our souls and our relationships to the other side."
July 15,2025
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Being raped as a child is a traumatic experience that leaves deep scars. I needed more than just therapy to heal. Fortunately, this book came into my life and gave me many valuable tools and the strength to carry on. It has helped me understand myself better and has allowed me to move forward on my journey of recovery.


This book was a gift from a very special friend. I am truly grateful to have such a wonderful friend in my life. Their thoughtfulness and kindness have made a huge difference to me. The book has become a source of inspiration and comfort, and I will always cherish it.


Thanks to this book and my amazing friend, I am slowly but surely learning to overcome the past and embrace a brighter future. I know that there will still be challenges ahead, but I feel more prepared and confident to face them.

July 15,2025
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If it helped for you, that's great.

However, it is based more on psychoanalytical theory and philosophy than contemporary understandings of how our inner selves and schemas operate.

It is an interesting read, but I have at times scribbled corrections in the text.

I do wince whenever Freud's psychosexual development is mentioned.

This is because Freud's theories, while influential, have been criticized and revised over the years.

Contemporary psychology has a more nuanced understanding of human development and behavior, taking into account factors such as genetics, environment, and social context.

Despite this, Freud's work still has value and can provide insights into the human psyche.

It is important to approach his theories with a critical eye and to consider them in the context of modern psychology.

Overall, the article offers an interesting perspective on the topic, but it could benefit from a more in-depth exploration of contemporary theories and research.

July 15,2025
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The first half of this book is truly outstanding.

I discovered that Bradshaw's elucidation of codependency and developmental stages was extremely beneficial.

He possesses a remarkable talent for using language to encapsulate the experiences of children who grow up in a dysfunctional family environment.

This not only helps to release adults from the shame and reactivity that manifest in trust issues, addictions, thought distortions, and various other aspects but also enables them to gain a better understanding of their own family of origin.

Although this book is a bit outdated and some of the exercises might seem "odd," I still managed to extract some excellent insights and jot down some great notes.

Overall, it has provided me with a valuable perspective and has contributed to my personal growth and self-awareness.

July 15,2025
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I truly adored this book.

I was able to glean exactly what I wanted from it and then simply left aside the parts that didn't quite mesh with my needs or understanding.

When I see people reviewing this book and complaining about the gender voice, I can't help but think, "This was the 90s, okay?"

If one can't look beyond such minor details, I really don't know what older book could ever be of any help to them.

The questionnaire about childhood trauma in this book was absolutely worth the entire read. I was completely blown away by it.

I also deeply loved the affirmations and the understanding that a traumatized child will need basic things like respect, listening, and stroking.

I really, truly loved it.

I came to this book after having delved into IFS, which I also really enjoyed.

If you have a desire to learn more about your inner child, especially if you had a rather messed up childhood, then this is indeed a great book for you.

It offers valuable insights and tools that can assist you on your journey of self-discovery and healing.

Highly recommended for those seeking to understand and embrace their inner selves.
July 15,2025
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This book is concise in its length, yet it has an incredibly profound impact that truly hits home, and it does so with great force.

After reading it, I find myself yearning for more. It has left such an impression on me that I know I will need to return to it and engage with the exercises repeatedly.

I hope that through this process, I can develop a more harmonious and understanding relationship with my inner child.

The book seems to have opened a door to a deeper exploration of my inner self, and I am eager to continue this journey of self-discovery and growth.

It serves as a valuable guide, and I look forward to the insights and transformations that lie ahead as I delve further into its pages and exercises.

I believe that with each revisit, I will uncover new layers of myself and take another step towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
July 15,2025
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I didn't read the book. Instead, I watched the 10-hour long 10-part series that aired on PBS several years ago, which served as the basis for this book.

I would totally recommend it to anyone and everyone.

In fact, I think it might be better than the book. The series showed clips of actual sessions and included meditation sound tracks, allowing viewers to actually do the exercises. I'm not entirely sure, but I guess these elements would probably be missing from the book. Currently, I'm reading his other book on the family system, and I can definitely say that the format of the TV series is much better than that of the book for such material.

The visual and auditory components of the series enhance the learning experience and make it more engaging and accessible. It provides a more immersive way to understand and practice the concepts presented.

While the book may offer in-depth explanations and additional details, the series brings the content to life in a way that the written word alone cannot.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out the series if you're interested in this topic.
July 15,2025
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A fascinating way to approach a problem that we all have, which are childhood traumas. It has many practical aspects that I assume must be done in order to seek the healing of these inner individuals.


Definitely not for every type of person, but for those who seek to heal in some way. Childhood traumas can have a profound impact on our lives, often leaving emotional scars that are difficult to heal. This interesting approach offers practical steps and strategies to help individuals work through their traumas and find inner peace and healing.


It may involve techniques such as therapy, self-reflection, and forgiveness. By addressing these traumas head-on, we can begin to let go of the past and move forward with a more positive and fulfilling life. While this approach may not be suitable for everyone, it offers hope and a path to healing for those who are willing to take the journey.

July 15,2025
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Let me begin by saying that this book has, by far, been the most resourceful for me when it comes to understanding the inner child concept and doing the inner work.

The heavily backed scientific research seeps through fluidly within the book. It offers a practical, step-by-step guide to understanding how our childhood wounds inflict spiritual wounding upon us as adults.

Certainly, this book was dense and slow in some parts. However, when you push through those sections, you will be glad that you have done so.

It is truly a recommended read for any psychologist who is interested in Jungian Psychology and the process of healing the inner child.

Overall, this book provides valuable insights and practical tools that can assist in the journey of self-discovery and inner healing.
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