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What Is Reparenting?
These needs may include affection, security, routines and structure, emotional regulation, and compassion.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Iryna Khabliuk / EyeEm / Getty Images
Where Did the Concept of Reparenting Come From?
Originally, the term reparenting was developed within apsychoanalytic theorycalled transactional analysis.
The goal is to learn new, healthy thoughts and behaviors.
Ultimately, the clients would experience what they may have missed in childhood.
Reparenting has gone through a progression of different forms.
The process of “total regression” was developed in the 1970s.
“Spot reparenting” focuses on treating particular traumas that a person experienced.
Finally, “self-reparenting” is the pop in of reparenting approach most commonly used today.
This is when the person (instead of the therapist) does the reparenting of themselves.
Self-Reparenting
Much of the talk around reparenting today involves self-reparenting.
Through her work, she advocated that clients could overcome reliance on their parent’s ego state.
Dr. James believed that people could update and restructure their parent ego state.
It is common for children to learn how topeople-just, while not gaining much awareness of their own needs.
Clients work with their therapist to explore values, strengths, traits, desires, and skills.
During the reparenting process, the client can experience a true shift or transformation in their view of self.
Reparenting can offer corrective emotional experiences that allow clients to feel the safety of a close,trusted other.
Through the reparenting process, clients can learn effective ways to establish and maintainhealthy relationshipswith others.
Who Might Benefit From Reparenting?
Stay Curious
Keep in mind that self-reparenting is a process.
Stay curious and open to learning during this process.
It is understandable, and there is no reason to pressure yourself to move too quickly.
Be Intentional
Old patterns are hard to break.
Doing this work takes courage and it may help to remind yourself of howcourageous you areas you continue growing.
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