A growing body of psychological research is shining a spotlight on “reparenting”—a compassionate approach to healing childhood wounds that continue to influence our adult lives. According to a recent feature by CNN, mental health professionals describe reparenting as the process of identifying and nurturing the parts of oneself that suffered unmet emotional needs as a child, learning to respond with the warmth and boundaries of an attentive caregiver. This therapeutic trend is gaining traction worldwide, including in Thailand, as more people recognize the long-term impact of early emotional experiences on their mental wellbeing.
Reparenting has emerged as a therapeutic technique for addressing emotional scars from childhood, such as persistent fears of rejection, struggles with self-worth, or patterns of people-pleasing that often originate in early family relationships. As explained by a licensed professional counselor featured in CNN’s article, many adults unconsciously treat themselves the same way they were treated by their parents—sometimes harshly, criticising oneself for mistakes or neglecting one’s own needs. The process of reparenting, then, involves intentionally “raising yourself up”—cultivating healthier beliefs and behaviors to foster resilience and emotional security (CNN).
For Thai readers, this news is particularly relevant. Scholarly work underscores how traditional Asian parenting styles—often emphasizing hierarchy, obedience, and academic achievement—can unintentionally contribute to emotional wounds if warmth and validation are lacking. Research focused on Hong Kong, a society with cultural similarities to Thailand, has documented the effects of Asian cultural values on parenting style, finding that certain approaches can impede children’s emotional competence (Frontiers in Psychology). In the Thai context, many adults may relate to the challenge of reconciling strict familial expectations with their own emotional needs, highlighting the value of reparenting techniques adapted for local culture.
The central tenet of reparenting is not self-indulgence or regression, as some might believe, but rather responding to one’s emotional pain in adulthood as a “good enough” parent would—validating one’s feelings while maintaining healthy boundaries. Dr. Avigail Lev, a clinical psychologist, emphasizes in the CNN article that healing childhood traumas requires self-compassion, helping the “inner child” feel seen and supported, while discouraging self-sabotage or unhealthy coping mechanisms. The therapeutic process might include daily self-affirmations (“I am worthy of love apart from how well I perform”), meeting one’s unmet needs with kindness, or even visualizing comforting the younger self in moments of distress.
While reparenting practices can be deeply emotional, requiring honest reflection about the root of certain behaviors, they can lead to greater emotional stability, self-confidence, and improved relationships. Licensed clinicians recommend starting with simple self-awareness: noticing how you talk to yourself, which situations trigger guilt or anxiety, and which patterns repeat from childhood (Verywell Mind). Engaging with the inner child could mean treating oneself to experiences once denied in youth, from eating favorite childhood treats to spending time in nature or engaging in creative play.
Mental health experts note that while some progress can be made individually, working with a therapist familiar with reparenting strategies can bring significant benefits. Schema Therapy, a treatment approach that includes reparenting components, helps clients identify persistent negative beliefs and replace them with healthier cognitive and emotional patterns (Schema Therapy and Adolescents, PubMed). Such approaches are increasingly being adapted for teens and adults alike, both in Western and Asian cultures, to break the intergenerational cycle of emotional distress.
In the Thai setting, where mental health stigma remains a challenge and many families may not openly discuss emotional issues, reparenting techniques could be especially empowering. Thai mental health practitioners—such as those working at national hospitals or counseling centers—have begun integrating these concepts into their practice, recognizing the cultural nuances of filial piety and collective identity. For instance, rather than directly confronting parents about past hurts (which can be difficult in a society that values respect for elders), reparenting allows individuals to honor family bonds while still meeting their own emotional needs.
Historical patterns in Thai society, such as the emphasis on family reputation, academic achievement, and “keeping face,” have contributed to generations of adults who struggle with self-compassion or fear of failure. Teachers, counselors, and even religious figures are starting to recognize the role that childhood experiences play in shaping adult mental health, echoing global calls for early emotional education and trauma-informed care (Amaha Health). However, there is still considerable room for growth in normalizing these conversations.
Looking ahead, mental health professionals predict growing demand for self-reparenting resources tailored to Asian contexts. They advise that adapting reparenting to Thai culture involves recognizing the strengths of local practices—such as collective support and intergenerational wisdom—while gently challenging patterns that may undermine emotional security or autonomy.
In practical terms, Thai readers are encouraged to begin their own reparenting journey by practicing self-kindness, seeking support from trusted counselors or psychologists, and giving themselves permission to heal from childhood wounds. Even simple daily affirmations, mindfulness exercises, or spending time on joyful activities can serve as first steps. For those with severe trauma or persistent distress, seeking professional guidance is recommended. Ultimately, as research affirms and clinicians advise, reparenting is not about erasing the past, but about nurturing oneself into a more confident, compassionate future.
For additional information, consider exploring resources on reparenting therapy from reputable platforms such as Verywell Mind, BetterHelp, and academic research on schema therapy (PubMed). Thai university counseling centers and hospital mental health clinics are also incorporating these approaches and can provide locally relevant support.