In the early stages of healing, we often experience fear about the changes we need to make in order to become more whole. The “little ones” within, most especially, resist changing the ways we try to feel safe and cope with painful memories. They know the ways which have helped them survive, i.e. dissociation, obsessions and compulsions. Although their ways have helped, they lead to more problems and pain and can be very unsafe.

As a therapist, I work hard with those “little ones” to help them understand what we are working at in therapy and how it will help them. I created the following poem to help the trauma survivor help the inner child or children understand how we are trying to help the healing process. I will often write the poem on an index card and suggest the consumer carry it around and read it when the “little one” wants to resort to those “old ways”. We want to reassure everyone we are “working together” to get better.