The Inner Child: How to Heal Childhood Trauma and Find Harmony with Yourself

Doctor and psychotherapist Charles Whitfield was the first to write a comprehensive, organized, and helpful book about the phenomenon of the Inner Child. This is a modern classic of psychology—so fresh and useful today as it was at the moment of its first publication.

According to cautious estimates, childhood trauma—often in toxic family environments—has affected more than 50% of the population. In some cultures, the figure reaches 70, 80, even 90%. Because of this, the central element of human consciousness—our true “Self”—begins to hide.

In the book “The Inner Child,” Dr. Whitfield explains how our Inner Child is wounded and offers a healing program. He guides the reader through four stages that lead to a new discovery of the true “Self”:
1. Learn to be “real” by practicing with safe people.

2. Identify your healthy human needs.

3. Mourn the grievances, traumas, and losses that were never mourned.

4. Work through the most important recovery, relationship, and life issues.

Books on the topic come and go, but this work remains a strong introduction to diagnosing and treating the effects of childhood trauma. It is recommended both by psychotherapists and by people who have had similar life experiences.