Healing The Child Within: Discovery and Recovery for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families Paperback – April 1, 1987

Like previously reviewed, I purchased this as a set for my therapy sessions. My therapist recommended this to work through my healing. I absolutely love the chapters as they are significant to the healing journey. Even if you’d like to reflect on your own without help, it’s easy to understand.

This is one of the best books I have on my shelf. It targets the underlying problems of dysfunctional families, and it doesn't center on Alcoholism. I use the knowledge I gained almost daily. It goes over the structure of a healthy family vs. an unhealthy one. It reviews the importance of clear communication and expectations. Explains what is meant my "shaming", and the serious impact it has on how we interact with others throughout our lives; as well as the damage that is incurred when we are led to believe that our feelings aren't right and shouldn't be felt. I can't begin to explain the difference this book made. I never understood why I always felt like I wasn't good enough, I hadn't done enough, and how it was always my fault, not just within my family, but with friends and significant others as well. Now I can see patterns, and start to understand where they came from, and stop blaming myself for everything, and start working on the areas I am actually lacking in.I would recommend this book to about anyone. People who feel bad, who have tough times in relationships, who don't know what to do with themselves, who are work-aholics; as well as those who want to have a healthy family of their own one day.It's really simple. We are mostly products of our environment. This book shows us aspects of ourselves, and how the environment created these aspects. It doesn't put us down, or say we are irreversibly damaged. The "Child Within" is that part of each of us that is playful and happy and infintesimaly hopeful. That part of us has been taught that it is wrong through our years, and we have lost some of our wonder and fascination with the world around us. This book helps us get back to where we were when watching a caterpillar was the coolest thing in the world.

My therapist recommended this book to me, along with the workbook. It definitely gets into some painful stuff, and really makes you think about your inner child, and how to become a well rounded, mentally healthy adult. It can be difficult at times, but if you’re struggling, or just looking to discover/heal your inner child, I highly recommend this book.

If you have personal issues, unresolved grief, depression, dysfunctional family issues, alcohol or substance abuse, child abuse or other problems in your life that you would like to resolve, this book is a starting point to help you realize that with a support group recovery program there is hope. You are not alone in this world, and you are not different from the next person with the same issues - our stories are just different. The book is a moderately difficult read. Recovery is not instantaneous, it takes time. Good luck to you. This book is not meant to replace the guidance and support of psychological counseling.

I cannot rave enough about this book. I thought I would be able to just skim through the book, but it is a lot deeper and informative than I ever imagined. It is an easy read and very paractical. The information is applicable, so it may be best to take each chapter in and not rush through. I think this way you will be able to retain the informaiton. It has really given me a lot of insight about myself, my family of origin, and some answers to why or how people behave in ways that they do. Even if your belief system does not parallel with that of this book, you will still come out with a lot of knowledge about yourself and others. This book is also informative for those who have NOT came from Alcoholic or Drug Abused/Troubled homes. It really is applicable for ANY and EVERY one.I think this book is terrific for those who are trying to learn about themselves, heal from broken relationships or trying to grow stronger relationships, and VERY IMPORTANTLY, if they will one day be a parent themselves. A great gift you can give your child is to heal and help yourself so you can truly be a parent for your child(ren). This will help for dysfunction NOT to continue!!! Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!Next I want to oder "A Gift To Myself" which is the workbook by Charles L. Whitfield (the same author).

I got this book to help heal my childhood trauma and better understand myself, I will say if you have had a rough childhood and experience mental health issues now, this book will feel like it was made specifically for you. GET IT!!! it will help you love and understand yourself so much better.

I don’t normally write reviews on books I’ve read. Certainly I read reviews and in part make decisions based upon others reviews.Briefly, this may be one of the best books I’ve EVER read. It has opened my eyes to understanding my childhood, the depth of my loss and completely grieving leading to an authentic relationship with my inner child and healing. Furthermore, I have been able to safely share my story with one other in such detail that he now understand me better and it’s been such a release for me. It’s hard to articulate how much healing I’ve found through this book. I now realize I can’t go this path, my journey alone. I am learning to trust myself and let go. I’ve a new relationship with my Higher Power, my inner child. It’s changing my relationship with myself and with others. I’ve never known such serenity, such peace. I do feel like I’ve found my way Home. I am grateful that this book “dropped” into my life. My Higher Power is watching out for me. Thank you Dr. Whitfield for your amazing insights and for following your path and sharing it with others.