Healing the past: The benefits of inner child hypnotherapy

Do you ever find yourself reacting strongly to something that seems minor on the surface? Maybe a comment has made you feel small, unseen or deeply hurt in a way that doesn’t match the situation. Perhaps like me, you struggle with low self-worth, anxiety or a persistent inner critic that just won’t back off, no matter how much work you’ve done on yourself. If any of this feels familiar, your inner child might be calling out for your attention.

As a hypnotherapist and holistic well-being expert, I’ve had the honour of supporting many clients through inner child hypnotherapy, which is a gentle, powerful way to reconnect with the parts of ourselves that were hurt, neglected or forgotten in childhood or even in adulthood. This work can be profoundly healing and often unlocks a deep sense of peace, confidence, and wholeness.

What is inner child hypnotherapy?

In simple terms, inner child hypnotherapy is a therapeutic process that uses relaxation and guided visualisation to connect with younger versions of yourself, especially the ones who experienced emotional wounds, unmet needs or trauma.

Children don’t always have the tools or support to process difficult emotions, and this ability can stay with us into adulthood. Until we have learnt this skill, we often adapt: we might become perfectionists, people pleasers, overachievers or withdraw emotionally altogether. These coping mechanisms can help us survive, but they can also hold us back, causing anxiety, emotional triggers, relationship struggles or self-sabotage.

Through inner child hypnotherapy, we gently return to the origin of these patterns. Rather than reliving the pain, we offer comfort, safety, and healing to the child within us – often in a way that wasn’t possible at the time.

Why hypnotherapy?

You might be wondering why use hypnotherapy rather than just talking about the past in traditional therapy? 

Hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind – the part of us that stores memories, emotions, beliefs, and habits formed in early life. While talking therapies can be effective, they mostly engage the conscious mind (our logical, adult thinking). But our deepest patterns, especially those rooted in childhood, often sit below the surface.

Hypnosis helps us relax the analytical part of the brain, allowing us to access that deeper layer. It’s like opening a gentle doorway into the inner world where our younger selves still live, and from there, we can offer understanding, love and support that rewires old beliefs and emotional patterns at their roots.

What might an inner child hypnotherapy session look like?

Every session is different and always led by your unique needs. But typically, a session begins by talking through what’s been coming up for you – whether it’s anxiety, self-doubt, relationship challenges or a specific emotional trigger.

Once you’re ready, we move into a relaxed state using breathing techniques and gentle guidance – you’re always in control and fully aware, just deeply relaxed.

From there, we invite your subconscious mind to bring forward a younger version of you who might need attention or support. This could be a memory, a feeling, or even just a symbolic image. Together, you'll explore what that child version of you needs – often things like safety, reassurance, love, or simply being heard.

You might speak with your inner child, comfort them or re-imagine a past moment with the support of your wiser adult self. This isn’t about “fixing” anything; it’s about meeting that inner child with compassion and beginning a new relationship with them.

The benefits of inner child work

The results of inner child hypnotherapy can be both gentle and life-changing. Some of the benefits I’ve seen in clients include:

• Reduced anxiety and emotional triggers: Many clients find they no longer react as strongly to certain situations because the root emotion has been addressed and soothed.
• Improved self-worth and confidence: Reconnecting with your inner child often reveals that the negative beliefs you’ve carried (“I’m not good enough,” “I’m too much,” “I’m unlovable”) were never really yours to begin with.

Healing from trauma or neglect

You don’t need to have experienced something dramatic for this work to be helpful; even subtle emotional neglect can leave lasting wounds. Inner child work gives those parts of you the love and validation they missed.

• Stronger relationships: As you heal your inner world, you may find it easier to communicate your needs, set healthy boundaries and connect more deeply with others.
• Greater peace and joy: Many people discover a renewed sense of playfulness, creativity and inner calm when their inner child feels safe and supported.

My journey – and why this work matters

My passion for inner child hypnotherapy comes not only from my training but from my own healing journey. I know what it’s like to feel lost, disconnected and burdened by the past. For many years, I carried wounds from childhood that affected my confidence, relationships and mental health.

Through inner child work, I’ve experienced firsthand the power of coming home to yourself, not as a concept, but as a felt sense of peace and belonging within. It’s a beautiful thing to witness in others, too, the moment someone realises they can be the loving adult their inner child always needed.

Is inner child hypnotherapy right for you?

If you’re feeling stuck in old patterns, struggling with low self-esteem, or simply sensing there’s a younger part of you that needs healing, inner child hypnotherapy could be a gentle and empowering step forward.

You don’t need to know all the answers or have it all figured out. The process meets you where you are. Whether you’ve already done inner work or are just beginning your healing journey, this approach can offer deep transformation – from the inside out.

Ready to take the next step?

If this resonates with you, consider reaching out to an inner child hypnotherapist. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you have, and remember, it’s never too late to heal. Your inner child is always waiting with open arms.