Recent research and renewed public interest have brought “reparenting”—a therapeutic approach for healing emotional wounds from childhood—into the spotlight in Western psychological circles and increasingly in Thailand’s mental wellness community. As outlined in a recent article in The New York Times, reparenting has found a dedicated following on social media platforms, bookshelves, and in private counseling offices. This interest marks a significant shift in how both individuals and mental health professionals approach unresolved issues from early life, emphasizing stronger self-compassion and personal growth (The New York Times).
At its core, reparenting therapy revolves around the concept of the “inner child”—a notion that parts of our emotional life remain shaped by memories and patterns created during our formative years. If those foundational needs were unmet, reparenting encourages people to nurture and care for that inner child as a kind, attentive adult. Proponents claim this process leads to better relationships, emotional regulation, and resilience in adulthood, a message resonating with many who feel constrained by lingering childhood pain.
Why does this matter for Thai audiences? In Thailand, where discussions of emotional wellbeing are rising yet often weighed down by expectations of stoicism and family respect, the notion that one can actively care for their own childhood wounds may feel both revolutionary and delicate. Traditional Thai values emphasize greng jai (concern for others’ feelings) and kreng jai (deference), sometimes discouraging individuals from expressing vulnerability or questioning parental choices. A model like reparenting, which draws attention to the lasting impact of childhood neglect or affection, challenges these cultural norms while offering tools for greater self-understanding.
Historically, the roots of reparenting are complicated. The approach originated in the 1960s with controversial therapist Jacqui Schiff, whose live-in regression techniques were ultimately condemned after a patient’s death (The New York Times). The therapy was later reshaped by Muriel James and others as a self-guided process; today, most mental health professionals prefer a model in which the adult learns to “parent” their own inner child with affirmation, discipline, and care, rather than relying on a therapist to fill the parental role.
The scientific and therapeutic community now describes this version of reparenting as a journey involving four pillars: discipline (creating structure and boundaries), joy (rekindling playfulness and curiosity), emotional regulation (learning to handle feelings constructively), and self-care (prioritizing mental and physical wellbeing) (PositivePsychology.com). Individuals are encouraged to explore these aspects through practical exercises such as letter writing to the inner child, visualizations, and “mirror work”—affirming one’s worth in dialogue with oneself.
Much of the psychological rationale behind reparenting is informed by attachment theory, the work of Carl Jung, and psychoanalysis. Attachment theory, which is gaining popularity among younger Thai therapists, posits that the quality of care received in early childhood shapes our future interpersonal relationships, self-concept, and emotional health (Start My Wellness). Unresolved emotional neglect—a quiet and invisible form of trauma—may manifest as people-pleasing, chronic self-doubt, or an inability to set boundaries.
Experts say the benefits of successful reparenting include improved self-compassion, healthier relationships, enhanced resilience, and an increased capacity for joy (PositivePsychology.com; PsychPlus). Dr. Jordan Bate, associate professor of clinical psychology at Yeshiva University, notes that reparenting “offers a language for talking about how past experiences shape the way we feel now, and highlights the ways in which defense mechanisms are used to navigate pain.” The growing popularity of inner child work—evidenced by thousands of TikTok posts, bestselling books, and a steady stream of therapy clients—suggests that many are seeking answers to long-held pain.
However, professionals caution that reparenting is not always easy. Engaging with one’s inner child can stir up grief, anger, shame or loneliness. For this reason, therapists encourage those exploring reparenting to seek professional guidance, especially if childhood trauma was severe. Techniques range from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems therapy, all of which have demonstrated effectiveness for complex trauma (PsychPlus; Start My Wellness).
Despite international origins, the foundational experiences reparenting seeks to heal—neglect, shame, lack of emotional validation—are relevant in Thai society. A study of Thai youth mental health trends found that increased pressure to achieve academically and maintain harmonious family images often led young adults to suppress personal desires and feelings, leading to anxiety and depression (Bangkok Post archives). In such a context, tools that validate individual emotional needs can counter harmful tropes such as “children are to be seen, not heard,” or the minimizing of mental distress.
Thai clinical psychologists working with urban youth report that integrating reparenting principles helps clients identify how early criticism or withdrawal of love led to persistent fears of not being enough or “losing face.” One senior therapist at a leading Bangkok hospital describes letter-writing exercises to the inner child as “pivotal for clients who have been taught to internalize self-criticism for the sake of familial peace.” By safely expressing anger or sadness that was previously taboo, clients build self-trust and confidence to pursue authentic goals, rather than living to meet others’ expectations.
International research suggests that childhood emotional neglect is linked to a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and chronic low self-esteem in adulthood (PositivePsychology.com, Start My Wellness). The good news, according to trauma experts, is that the brain remains “plastic”—capable of forging new neural pathways that reinforce self-care, joy, and boundaries, even later in life.
In the digital age, the popularity of reparenting is partly driven by social media, where therapists and everyday people share tips and personal stories. This includes video demonstrations of simple self-soothing gestures—such as giving oneself a hug, as mentioned in the New York Times spotlight on reparenting. While skeptics may view these trends as “pop psychology,” research out of North America, Europe, and Australia validates the positive impact of self-directed inner child work when grounded in evidence-based psychotherapy and support (PositivePsychology.com; Start My Wellness).
For Thai readers, reparenting presents both a gentle way to acknowledge past suffering and a radical tool to transform generational patterns of silence and emotional suppression. Those interested in exploring reparenting can begin with practical steps at home: writing letters to their younger selves, practicing daily affirmations, or imagining safe, nurturing interactions with their inner child. It’s also valuable to seek out Thai professionals trained in trauma-informed and attachment-based therapies or to join online communities with shared cultural sensitivities.
Looking forward, the growing demand for mental health services across Thailand portends wider adoption of reparenting as part of standard psychological care. As stigma around mental health continues to decline and new generations challenge the emotional boundaries of the past, techniques like reparenting may be increasingly woven into educational programs, counselling services, and public health strategies.
To begin the journey, Thai readers are encouraged to gently reflect on early emotional needs that may have gone unmet and to consider how developing self-kindness could influence their wellbeing today. Simple, actionable steps include:
- Keeping a daily journal to connect with early feelings and memories.
- Practicing self-soothing exercises, such as gentle self-hugs or affirming one’s worth.
- Reframing harsh self-talk by imagining what a loving parent would say.
- Seeking professional support from therapists familiar with reparenting techniques, ideally those who understand Thai family and cultural contexts.
If you’re interested in diving deeper, numerous free and paid online resources, including downloads and worksheets, are available to guide self-exploration in a safe, culturally sensitive manner (PositivePsychology.com). Remember, healing is a gradual journey, and starting with small, intentional acts of self-care and compassion can lay the groundwork for lasting change both individually and in the wider Thai society.