"Healing of the Inner Child"
            QUESTION from Terry on June 22, 2004

Dear Brother Ignatius, I have a hard time with this new "Healing of the Inner Child." It is used a lot in psychology/counseling. From what I hear, the adult child is to blame, his/her parents for what is happening in his/her life today. For instance, I talked with someone who is depressed and is going to counseling. The counselor asked him if he was mad at his dad and blamed him for what is happening to him today. He said no, and cannot do that. Knowing him, he would not either. He loves his dad very much, even though he was an alcoholic. He was told, he has to blame his dad in order to heal the child inside of him. I received a brochure in the mail about a retreat on "Healing of the Inner Child." The cost is $100.00 per person. It includes 2 overnights and five meals. There, they also offer Reiki treatments for $40.00, by appointment, and massage $32.00 for 1/2 hour, and $48.15 for 1 hr. This retreat center is known to be New Age, offering Healing Touch etc... Is this Healing of the Inner Child new age? new pop psychology? There is so much around anymore that many take the way out of being responsible for their own actions. It is a lot easier to blame others, including parents. What do you think? Thank you and God bless you. Terry