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How to Heal Your Inner Child Through Creative Expression: A Guide to Emotions Coaching and Inner Child Healing

Writer's picture: Ignatius QuekIgnatius Quek

Healing your inner child can be one of the most rewarding journeys in your life. It allows you to reconnect with feelings and experiences from childhood that have shaped who you are today. Creative expression plays a key role in this process, providing a means to process emotions and unlock deeper understanding. In this guide, we'll focus on practical ways to heal your inner child through creative outlets, understanding emotions coaching and the importance of this healing journey.


Are you ready to take charge of your emotional well-being and lead a more fulfilling life? Emotions coaching is a powerful way to understand yourself better, tap into your positive emotions, and express your true self. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.


TLDR:

Emotions Coaching: A Quick Overview

Emotions coaching helps you understand your feelings, uncover your needs and values, and express them authentically.


Here's the process:


  1. Discover Needs & Values: Reflect on moments of joy or frustration to identify what matters most to you.

  2. Recognize Positive Emotions: Track patterns in your happiest moments to connect them with your core needs and values.

  3. Creatively Express Your Needs: Use creative outlets, set goals, and align your daily actions with your values.


This process empowers you to live more authentically and with emotional clarity.


Understanding the Inner Child's Needs and Values System



The inner child represents that childlike aspect within each of us, capturing our natural instincts, emotions, and intuitive feelings. Childhood experiences—both happy and traumatic—leave lasting marks on our psyche.


For instance, a child who often felt ignored may struggle with self-worth in adulthood. These experiences shape our behaviors and reactions, sometimes leading to unhealthy patterns.


In coaching, typical questions to build a love map (a loving relationship map) of your inner child look like:


  1. If money wasn't the issue, what would you be doing instead of [working]? How would your answer make you feel?

  2. If you have a magic wand and you have all the resources at your disposal, what would give you the most joy or satisfaction in life?

  3. At the end of your successful life journey, what would you tell your loved ones about the life you led?


Recognising and nurturing the inner child allows us to access emotions that have not been fully processed. Creative expression can be a powerful way to reconnect with these feelings and rewrite the narratives that may have held us back.


First we need to understand what we truly value in life.


Emotions Coaching Guide Step 1: Discover Your Needs and Values

Our emotions often point to what matters most to us. Through this process, you'll identify:


  • Your Core Needs: These are essentials for your well-being, like safety, connection, or achievement.

  • Your Values: These are guiding principles, such as kindness, honesty, or creativity.


How It Works:

  • We’ll explore moments in your life when you felt fulfilled or frustrated. These moments often highlight unmet needs or cherished values.

  • Simple tools, like reflection questions or visual exercises, will make it easier to pinpoint your priorities.


Example Exercise:

Write about a recent moment that brought you joy or frustration. What were you feeling? What was missing or present that mattered to you?



Writing on a beach to express emotions and reflect on life
A guide to creatively expressing the inner child's needs through Emotions Coaching.


The Role of Creative Expression in Understanding Your Inner Child


Creative expression can manifest in various ways, such as painting, writing, dancing, or playing music. Each of these activities provides a unique opportunity to express emotions without judgment. Studies have shown that engaging in creative practices can lower stress levels by up to 75%, making it an effective tool for emotional release.


When you engage in creative activities, you start to explore your feelings more deeply, uncovering repressed emotions and enhancing self-acceptance. For example, someone who experienced loss might find solace in writing poetry about their feelings, which can bring clarity and foster healing.


Eye-level view of a blank canvas on an easel in a sunlit room
Canvas prepared for creative expression in a peaceful environment.

Emotions Coaching Guide Step 2: Recognize Positive Emotions


Once we understand your needs and values, the next step is to connect them to positive emotions.

  • Identify Emotional Peaks: Reflect on times when you felt happy, proud, or peaceful.

  • Learn Emotional Mapping: Discover which needs or values were fulfilled during these moments.


How It Works:

We’ll use guided questions and emotional tracking to help you see patterns. For example, if family time consistently brings joy, it might highlight a deep need for connection.


Example Exercise:

Keep an “Emotion Journal” for a week. Write down positive feelings you experience, what triggered them, and which value or need might have been fulfilled.





Emotions Coaching Guide Step 3: Creatively Express Your Needs

Understanding your emotions and values is just the beginning. The real magic happens when you express them in ways that feel authentic to you.


  • Creative Outlets: Use art, writing, or even movement to represent your emotions.

  • Set Goals: Align your daily actions with your values, like volunteering for a cause or spending quality time with loved ones.


How It Works:

We’ll brainstorm practical ways to express your values in everyday life. For example, if creativity is a value, you might set aside time for painting or journaling weekly.


Example Exercise:

Create a “Values Vision Board.” Include images, words, or objects that symbolize your values and how you want to live them out.


Reflection Questions:

  1. How does my answer make me feel?

  2. Is there one thing I would love to do and I can start doing today?

  3. Who can support me to make sure I am on the right path?

  4. If I were to do this [daily] how will I be like 3 years from today?


You may be a little confused after this exercise and that is a start of a greater inner work. If you need support with either our Psychotherapist Dawn Tan on building a relationship with yourself and setting boundaries, click the link below.



If you feel empowered to change and want to dive into your mission and life purpose, but need a supportive coach to help organise your thoughts, plans and emotions, get in touch with our Emotions Based Coach, Ignatius Quek.





Other Creative Outlets for Inner Child Healing


1. Create a Safe Space


Establishing a peaceful environment is essential for effective creative expression. This space should be free from distractions and filled with items that bring you joy, such as plants, cozy blankets, or meaningful artwork. Playing calming music can further enhance relaxation and openness. For example, dedicating a corner of your home to creative activities can reinforce the importance of self-care.


2. Pour Out Emotions with Writing


Writing is a straightforward yet powerful method to connect with your inner child. Journaling can help you articulate thoughts and feelings that have been hidden. One suggested technique is to write letters to your younger self; you might express love, understanding, or even apologies for neglecting those feelings. Alternatively, try writing about a specific childhood memory, vividly describing emotions and sensations you felt at that time. This can lead to significant emotional release and healing.


Close-up view of an open journal with handwritten notes on a table
A journal revealing thoughts and memories, facilitating emotional expression.

3. Experiment with Artistic Expression


Artistic activities allow for emotional exploration in a non-verbal way. Engaging in painting, drawing, or crafting can help you connect with deeper emotions. The goal is not perfection; instead, focus on enjoying the process. For instance, use colors that resonate with your feelings, like warm colors for joy and cool colors for sadness, to express emotions related to childhood experiences.


4. Dance and Movement Therapy


Movement connects your body and mind, making it a powerful tool for self-expression. Dance, whether structured or spontaneous, can help release energy and trauma. Allowing yourself to move freely, perhaps to your favorite music, can foster a playful connection to your inner child, reducing stress and anxiety.


Engaging with Emotions Coaching


As you navigate your healing journey, emotions coaching can provide invaluable support. Coaches help individuals understand their feelings and develop healthier emotional responses. For example, a coach might guide you to reflect on a specific childhood event that still impacts your reactions today. Many coaches incorporate creative practices into their sessions, promoting emotional release and deeper understanding.


Cultivating Self-Compassion


Self-compassion is essential during this healing process. While confronting past pain, it’s common to feel guilt or shame. Approach these feelings with kindness and understanding. Reflecting on your inner child’s experiences without judgment helps create a nurturing space for healing. Recognizing that your inner child deserves love and acceptance can significantly enhance your journey.


Integrating Healing into Daily Life


Healing the inner child is ongoing. It is crucial to integrate creative expression into your daily life. Setting aside time each week for artistic activities—whether it’s writing, painting, or dancing—can maintain your connection to your emotions. Regular mindfulness practices, like meditation or deep-breathing exercises, can also help you stay in tune with your feelings.


A Journey of Healing and Discovery


Healing your inner child through creative expression offers rich opportunities for self-discovery and emotional growth. Embracing various creative outlets enables you to reconnect with your inner self and address unresolved childhood feelings.


With support from emotions coaching, you can gain a clearer understanding of your emotions and cultivate resilience. Remember, allow this process to unfold naturally. Prioritize self-compassion and playfulness. Your inner child longs for a voice—make room for it to express itself and thrive.


High-angle view of vibrant art supplies on a table
Colourful art supplies ready for creative exploration and healing.

Your Journey to Emotional Clarity

Understanding and honoring your emotions is a powerful way to uncover what you truly need and value in life. By exploring your needs, recognizing the emotions that uplift you, and expressing yourself creatively, you can live with greater authenticity, joy, and fulfillment.


This journey doesn’t have to be taken alone. With the right guidance, you can navigate your emotions with confidence and clarity, creating a life that feels deeply aligned with who you are.


Take the First Step Today

Are you ready to unlock the power of your emotions? Let’s work together to uncover your needs, tap into your positive emotions, and build creative, fulfilling expressions of your true self.



📞 Schedule a consultation 


to begin your journey or


Contact us today


to learn more about how emotions coaching can transform your life.





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