How to Reclaim a Sense of Self

Understand how your sense of self was compromised — and begin the deliberate work of reclaiming it from beneath the overgrowth.

By Patrick Teahan

Many childhood trauma survivors find themselves in adulthood with a puzzling question: "Who am I, really?" After years of adapting to a dysfunctional family system, the genuine self can feel distant, muted, or entirely inaccessible. The prompt distinguishes three layers of personhood: identity, personality, and sense of self. Through structured journaling and inner child dialogue, readers explore where their sense of self became compromised and begin the work of reclaiming what was always there.

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Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for in person professional medical advice. It is not intended to replace the services of a therapist, physician, or other qualified professional, nor does it constitute a therapist-client or physician or quasi-physician relationship.

If you are, or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room.

If you are having emotional distress, please utilize 911 or the National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255

How to Reclaim a Sense of Self

Download this journal prompt

This video is part of the following playlists...

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Want to go deeper?

Reparenting The Inner Child

Referenced videos

Playlist

This article relates to...

Topics

childhood trauma

dysfunctional family

emotional abuse

shame

inner child work

reparenting

identity

recovery

healing

self-compassion

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