The Migrant Child Within: Healing the One Who Had to Be Strong #

That brave child who could never be just a child deserves to finally be seen ## That brave child who could never be just a child deserves to finally be seen #

My love, close your eyes for a moment.

Take a deep breath.

And let me take you to a place in time...

Do you remember the little boy or girl you were when you first came here?

Or if you were born here, do you remember the child who watched his or her parents suffer in silence?

That child who:

❌ Had to learn another language by force?
❌ Was rejected at school for "talking funny".
❌ Translated for his parents from the age of 8.
❌ Carried adult responsibilities as a child.
❌ Saw his mother cry and decided "not to cause trouble"
❌ Had to "forget" where he came from to fit in
❌ He could never be just a kid

**That child is still living inside of you.

And he's waiting for someone to finally see him, hear him, and embrace him.

Today, that someone will be you.

📑 INDEX #

1. The inner child: what is it and why does it matter
2. The 5 archetypes of the migrant inner child 3.
   • The translator child (parentalization)
   • The invisible child (self-sufficiency)
   • The ashamed child (denial of identity)
   • The guardian child (parental protector)
   • The perfect child (over-adaptation)
     How childhood trauma manifests in your adult life](#manifestations) 4.
3. The Lion Method for healing the inner child
4. Healing process in an online session
5. Testimonies of transformation
6. Sacred exercises that you can do now
7. Start your healing process

1. THE INNER CHILD: WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS. #

"All the battles you fight as an adult were recorded when you were a child ". #

Before we dive into the stories, you need to understand something fundamental:

The inner child is not a metaphorical concept.

It is a psychological and neurological reality.

The science behind the inner child**. #

John Bradshaw, an American therapist and pioneer in working with the inner child, explains it this way:

"Your inner child is a reality. It is the part of you that was arrested in emotional development when you experienced trauma or neglect. That part is still there, waiting to be healed. " * "Your inner child is a reality.

Alice Miller, a world-renowned Swiss psychoanalyst, adds:

• "The child you were is still alive in your cellular memory, in your body, in your automatic reactions. Until that part is seen and healed, it will continue to control your life from the shadows. " * Alice Miller, world-renowned Swiss psychoanalyst.

And for the migrant, this is doubly true.

Because your inner child doesn't just carry normal childhood wounds.

**It carries the trauma of migration.

Why the Inner Migrant Child Needs Special Attention. #

During my training in transpersonal psychology in Europe, I studied with direct disciples of Stanislav Grof.

Grof discovered something revolutionary:

• "The deepest childhood traumas are not stored only in the mind. They are encoded in the body, in the nervous system, in what he called 'basic perinatal matrices'. " * *"The deepest traumas are not only stored in the mind.

For the migrant child, these matrices include:

Matrix of abandonment (I left my land, my extended family, my known world).
Matrix of inadequacy (I don't belong here or there)
Matrix of premature responsibility (I have to help my parents survive)
Matrix of identity shame (I must hide who I am to be safe)

These matrices cannot be healed by talk therapy alone.

They need to be sensed, expressed and reorganized on a deeper level.

📺 See: "The Inner Child and Transgenerational Trauma"

.

2. THE 5 ARCHETYPES OF THE MIGRANT INNER CHILD. #

"What was the role you had to play in order to survive? " #

In my 20+ years of working with migrants, I have identified 5 main archetypes of the migrant inner child.

Read carefully. You will probably recognize yourself in one (or several).

TYPE 1: THE CHILD TRANSLATOR #

"The one who had to become an adult before his time ". #

Story of Lupita, 35 years old - Mexico → Texas: **

*Alejandra, since I was 7 years old I was the voice of my parents.

I would translate at the doctor, at school appointments, at the bank. My parents would ask me 'What do I do, mija?' and I, at 9 years old, would decide about health insurance, legal problems, important things. *"Alejandra, since I was 7 years old, I was the voice of my parents.

*I felt special. Important. Useful.

But also... exhausted. And lonely. Because no one was looking out for me. " *

Now, at 35:** **

❌ She can't say "no" to anyone.
❌ She feels that everyone depends on her.
❌ She is in permanent burnout
❌ Feels guilty if she doesn't solve other people's problems
❌ In her relationships, she is always the one who "carries" emotionally.

What transpersonal psychology calls: INVERSE PARENTALIZATION. #

Salvador Minuchin, a world-renowned Argentinean family therapist, identified this pattern:

"When a child assumes parental roles, a hierarchical inversion occurs. The child becomes the parent's caregiver, and loses his or her right to be a child. " * "When a child assumes parental roles, a hierarchical inversion occurs.

Stephan Hausner, a German constellator and expert in family dynamics, adds:

• "In migrant families, parentalization is common because the parents are vulnerable in the new country. But when the child 'takes care' of the parent, a systemic disorder is created that persists into adulthood. " * Stephan Hausner, a German constellator and expert on family dynamics, adds

Symptoms of the adult who was a "translator child":** **

✓ Compulsive hyperresponsibility.
✓ Difficulty relaxing or receiving help.
✓ Relationships where he/she is always the "strong one".
✓ Hidden resentment (even if he/she doesn't admit it)
✓ Chronic exhaustion with no medical cause
✓ Difficulty in setting limits

**Do you recognize yourself, love?

ARCHETYPE 2: THE INVISIBLE CHILD** #

"The one who learned not to need anyone " #

Story of Daniel, 28 years old - El Salvador → Los Angeles: **

My parents worked all day. I would come home from school to an empty house. *"My parents worked all day long.

*I would heat food in the microwave. I did my homework alone. I slept alone.

*On weekends I would watch them sleep because they were exhausted.

*I learned not to bother. Not to need. To be invisible.

Now, at 28:** **

❌ Has partner but can't open up emotionally.
❌ Shuts down when someone tries to get close.
❌ Doesn't know how to ask for help or express needs.
❌ Shallow relationships although longs for deep connection.
❌ Panics when someone is dependent on him/her.

What John Bowlby called: AVOIDANT ATTITUDE. #

John Bowlby, British psychiatrist and pioneer in attachment theory, found:

• "When a child learns that expressing needs brings no response, he develops an avoidant attachment style. He learns to self-soothe, but at the cost of losing the capacity for intimate connection. " * *"When a child learns that expressing needs brings no response, he develops an avoidant attachment style.

Peter Levine, creator of Somatic Experiencing (somatic trauma therapy), explains:

• "The 'invisible' child freezes his emotional needs. That freeze remains in the nervous system and manifests as emotional disconnection in adulthood. " * Peter Levine*, creator of Somatic Experiencing (somatic trauma therapy), explains

Symptoms of the adult who was an "invisible child":** ** *"The 'invisible' child freezes his or her emotional needs.

✓ Extreme independence (although longing for connection).
✓ Difficulty receiving love or help.
✓ Withdraws when emotional intimacy is present.
✓ Relationships that he/she keeps at a "safe distance".
✓ Feeling of always being alone even when accompanied.
✓ Fear of deep commitment ✓ Fear of deep commitment

**Is this your pattern, love?

📺 Watch: "Healing the Avoidant Attachment of the Migrant Child"

ARCHETYPE 3: THE ASHAMED CHILD #

"The one who had to hide who she was in order to be safe " #

Carmen's story, 40 years old - Guatemala → Florida:

*"In third grade, some kids made fun of my accent. They called me 'wetback. They spit on me in the yard.

That day I decided: I will never again speak Spanish in public. I will never again be 'la mexicana' (although I am Guatemalan, but to them we were all the same). ""I will never again be 'la mexicana' (although I am Guatemalan, but to them we were all the same).

I changed my name from Carmen to Carol. I practiced my accent until it sounded 'normal'.

I severed connection with everything that reminded me of my origin. "* * I changed my name to Carol.

Now, at 40:** Now:

❌ Has children but is embarrassed to teach them Spanish.
❌ Avoids Latino cultural events.
❌ Feels like an imposter in both worlds.
❌ Anxiety when someone asks "Where are you from?"
❌ Unconsciously rejects parts of herself ❌ Rejects parts of herself unconsciously

What Carl Jung called: THE SHADOW. #

Carl Jung, Swiss psychiatrist and founder of analytical psychology, identified:

"The shadow is the part of us that we deny and reject. But what we do not integrate, controls us from the unconscious. " * *"The shadow is the part of us that we deny and reject.

Brigitte Champetier de Ribes, French constellator specialized in identity and belonging, explains:

• "When a child rejects his culture of origin in order to be accepted, he fragments his identity. This rejected part becomes a shadow and emerges as shame, anxiety or existential emptiness. " Brigitte Champetier Ribes*, a French constellator specialized in identity and belonging.

Symptoms of the adult who was a "shamed child":** ** "The adult who was a "shamed child":** "The adult who was a "shamed child": **

✓ Shame about her origins (even if she does not admit it).
✓ Over-compensation (being "more American than Americans").
✓ Unconscious rejection of his own culture.
✓ Passing on shame to their children without realizing it.
✓ Feeling of "imposter" in both worlds.
✓ Identity crisis in midlife.

**Do you recognize this pain, love?

ARCHETYPE 4: THE GUARDIAN CHILD** #

"The one who protected his parents from the pain " #

Story of Rosa, 33 years old - Colombia → New Jersey: **

*I would see my mom crying at night. I missed my grandmother. I missed Colombia.

*My dad worked 16 hours a day and came home a wreck.

*I decided: I'm going to be the good girl. I'm never going to cause them trouble. I'm going to make them happy.

I kept my tears away. I smiled all the time. I got good grades. I didn't ask for anything. " *I didn't ask for anything.

**Now, at 33.

❌ Chronic anxiety (because she is always "reading" other people's emotions).
❌ Cannot connect with his own emotions.
❌ Codependent relationships
❌ Feels responsible for everyone's happiness.
❌ Doesn't know who she really is underneath the "caregiver role".

What Bert Hellinger called: BLIND LOVE #

Bert Hellinger, creator of family constellations, identified:

• "The child who tries to protect or save his parents falls into 'blind love'. He sacrifices his own life out of loyalty, but that sacrifice does not help the parents. It only perpetuates the transgenerational pain. " * "The child who tries to protect or save his parents falls into 'blind love' falls into 'blind love'.

Frans Ruppert, German psychotraumatologist, adds:

• "The child who becomes the 'emotional guardian' of his parents loses touch with his own needs. He develops a 'pseudo-personality' built around the needs of others. " * Frans Ruppert, a German psychotraumatologist, adds

Symptoms of the adult who was a "guardian child":** ** "The child who becomes the 'emotional guardian' of his parents loses contact with his own needs.

✓ Constant anxiety (is always in "alert" mode).
✓ Codependency in relationships.
✓ Feels responsible for the feelings of others.
✓ Can't say "no" without devastating guilt ✓ Can't say "no" without devastating guilt
✓ Alexithymia (difficulty identifying one's own emotions)
✓ Feeling of emptiness: "Who am I really?"

**Was this your role, love?

ARCHETYPE 5: THE PERFECT CHILD #

"The one who overcompensated to prove his worthiness " #

Miguel's story, 38 years old - Dominican Republic → Boston:

*In school, they called me 'the Dominican'. As if that was my only trait.

*I decided: I'm going to be the best. I'm going to prove that we are not what they think.

*I got straight A's. Sports. Activities. University ivy league. MBA.

But it's never enough. I always feel like I have something to prove. " *I always feel like I have something to prove.

Now, at 38:** **Now, at 38.

❌ Paralyzing perfectionism.
❌ Imposter syndrome (even though she has impressive accomplishments).
❌ Recurrent burnout
❌ Cannot enjoy your successes
❌ Feeling of "never enough."
❌ Brutal self-demand

What Alfred Adler called: INFERIORITY COMPLEX. #

Alfred Adler, Austrian psychiatrist and founder of individual psychology, identified:

• "The feeling of inferiority can drive great achievements. But when not integrated, it becomes a never-ending search for external validation. " *

Gabor Maté, a Hungarian-Canadian physician and trauma expert, explains:

• "The child who feels he must 'prove his worth' develops an addiction to achievement. But since the wound is internal, no external achievement heals it. " * Gabor Maté, a Hungarian-Canadian trauma physician and expert on trauma, explains

Symptoms of the adult who was a "perfect child":** ** "The adult who was a 'perfect child' develops an addiction to achievement.

✓ Workaholic (works compulsively).
✓ Never satisfied with his or her accomplishments
✓ Chronic imposter syndrome.
✓ Self-sabotage when close to success.
✓ Recurrent burnout
✓ Feeling of "I'm fooling everyone."

**Are you living on this wheel, love?

📺 Watch: "The 5 Archetypes of the Inner Migrant Child"

3. HOW CHILDHOOD TRAUMA MANIFESTS IN YOUR ADULT LIFE. #

"Your body remembers what your mind forgot " #

My love, here is the truth that no one tells you:

**Your adult problems are not "your fault." They are adaptations your inner child created to survive.

The 10 most common manifestations:** **## The 10 most common manifestations: #

1. REPETITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

• You are always the "caretaker".
• You attract partners who need to be "rescued".
• You can't receive love, only give it

Why: Your inner child learned that your value is in caring for others.

2. SELF-SABOTAGE

• You are close to success and you ruin it
• You can't sustain healthy relationships
• You turn down opportunities that suit you

Why: Your inner child believes you don't deserve to be happy if those you left behind suffer.

3. CHRONIC ANXIETY

• Constant hypervigilance
• Can't relax
• Always waiting for "the bad".

Why: Your inner child lives in permanent survival mode.

4. DIFFICULTY SETTING LIMITS

• You say "yes" when you want to say "no." **5.
• You feel guilty if you prioritize your needs
• You end up resentful but can't stop

Why: Your inner child learned that their needs don't matter.

5. PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS WITH NO MEDICAL CAUSE

• Chronic pain
• Unexplained fatigue
• Digestive problems
• Permanent muscle tension

Why: Peter Levine explains: "Trauma that is not processed is stored in the body. It becomes a symptom. " Peter Levine explains: *"Trauma that is not processed is stored in the body.

6. ADDICTIONS OR COMPULSIONS

• Compulsive work
• Emotional eating
• Alcohol/drugs
• Repetitive toxic relationships

Why: Gabor Maté says: "Addiction is an attempt to fill the void left by the love we didn't receive as children. "* Gabor Maté says.

7. DEPRESSION OR EXISTENTIAL EMPTINESS

• Feeling of "what for?"
• Lack of purpose
• Disconnection from life

Why: Your inner child was never able to be who he/she really was.

8. DIFFICULTY WITH IDENTITY

• "Who am I really?"
• Feeling like an imposter.
• You don't belong anywhere

Why: Your inner child fragmented his or her identity to survive.

9. PROBLEMS WITH INTIMACY

• You close yourself off when someone gets close
• Fear of commitment
• Can't show vulnerability

Why: Your inner child learned that opening up is not safe.

10. TRANSMISSION TO YOUR CHILDREN

• You repeat patterns of your parents even if you don't want to
• Your children carry your anxiety
• I project on them what I did not solve

Why: Mark Wolynn explains: "What we don't heal, we inherit. What we don't process, we pass on. " **What we don't process, we pass on.

4. THE LION METHOD FOR HEALING THE INNER CHILD. #

"Integrating body, mind and spirit - the European approach that transformed my practice ". #

During my 15 years in Europe, I studied with the most renowned teachers in different modalities.

And I discovered something fundamental:

Healing the inner child requires working on THREE levels simultaneously: **

1. MENTAL LEVEL (understanding the patterns)
2. 2. EMOTIONAL/COMPORATIONAL LEVEL (feeling and releasing)
3. TRANSPERSONAL LEVEL (reconnect with something greater)

Most therapies only work on one or two levels. That is why they are not enough.

The Lion Method integrates:** #

🌟 FAMILY CONSTELLATIONS
(To see the invisible systemic dynamics)* (To see the invisible systemic dynamics)*.

From my training with German and Spanish teachers, I learned to:

• Identify invisible loyalties.
• See how the inner child carries transgenerational patterns
• Reorganize the family system so the child can finally rest

TRANSPERSONAL DEPTH PSYCHOLOGY
(To access states of consciousness where the real healing is)* (To access states of consciousness where the real healing is)*.

From my training in transpersonal psychology (Grof-Wilber lineage), I learned to:

• Facilitate expanded states of consciousness
• Work with perinatal matrices (pre-verbal traumas)
• Access levels beyond the ego where deep transformation occurs

💫 PIJAO SHAMANIC ENERGETIC HEALING
(To release trauma trapped in the body)* (To release trauma trapped in the body)* (To release trauma trapped in the body)*.

From my ancestral Pijao lineage (Colombia), I incorporate:

• Recovery of soul fragments.
• Energetic cleansing of cellular memories
• Rituals of integration that honor both cultures.

❤️ DIRECT WORK WITH THE INNER CHILD
(John Bradshaw methodology adapted for migrants) (John Bradshaw methodology adapted for migrants)

Specific techniques for:

• Contacting the inner child
• Dialogue with the fragmented parts
• Re-parenting with love what you did not receive

Why this integrated approach works:** **## Why this integrated approach works: ** #

Stanislav Grof explains it better than anyone else:

"Deep trauma is not just in the mind. It is in layers that include the body, the emotions, the personal unconscious, the collective unconscious, and the transpersonal dimension. For complete healing, we must work on all of these levels. " * *"For complete healing, we must work on all of these levels.

And my love, this is exactly what we do in session.

📺 Watch: "The Lion Method of Psychochamanic Healing"

5. INNER CHILD HEALING PROCESS IN ONLINE SESSION. #

"How an inner child healing session works from home ". #

I'm going to show you exactly what happens in a session, so you know what to expect:

[How a Family Constellation online session works(https://youtu.be/huh9caFg7iU?si=vs5Rj3SudjK6k52I)** #

6. TESTIMONIES OF TRANSFORMATION #

Lupita, 35 years old - "For the first time in my life, I was able to say NO ". #

*After the session with Alejandra, something changed radically.

*A week later, my sister asked me to take care of her children (as always). And for the first time in my life, I said 'I can't this time.

*I expected to feel devastating guilt. But instead... I felt PEACE.

*My inner child no longer needs to prove her worth by taking care of everyone.

Now I take care of me. And that's not selfishness. It's self-love. " *

Daniel, 28 years old - "I was able to cry with my wife "**. #

*During the session, I contacted my 10 year old boy who was coming home alone.

*He was so lonely. So scared. But he had learned to 'not feel.

*Alejandra led me to embrace him (symbolically). And I cried like I had never cried before.

*Two weeks later, I had a fight with my wife. Before, I would have shut down. But this time... I was able to stay. I was able to cry in front of her.

She hugged me. And for the first time, I felt safe being vulnerable. " *She hugged me.

Carmen, 40 years old - "I went back to speaking Spanish with my children ". #

In the session, I saw my 8 year old girl the day they called her 'wetback'.** **Carmen, 40 years old - "I came back to speak Spanish with my children.

I saw her deciding that to be safe, she had to hide who she was.* ** "I saw her deciding that to be safe, she had to hide who she was.

*I told her, 'It wasn't your fault. You did what you could to survive. But you're safe now.

*A week later, I was cooking and I started speaking Spanish to my children. Without thinking. Without forcing.

*And they responded. In Spanish.

*My daughter said to me: 'Mom, why didn't you talk to us in Spanish before?

*And I knew: because my inner child was afraid. But not anymore.

📺 Check out more testimonials here

7. SACRED EXERCISES YOU CAN DO NOW #

"The way home begins with one step ". #

My love, these exercises are an introduction. But they can begin to move something important.

EXERCISE 1: LETTER TO YOUR INNER MIGRANT CHILD ✍️ #

Take paper and pen (no computer - handwriting connects deeper).

Step 1: Write "Dear [your child's name]."

Step 2: Complete these sentences:

• "I see you in that moment when... " "I see you in that moment when... " "I see you in that moment when... "*
• "I feel your pain when... " "I feel your pain when... " "I understand that you had to...
• I understand that you had to... "* "I understand that you had to... ""I understand that you had to... "*
• "It wasn't your fault that... "
• "You don't have to... "* "You don't have to... "
• "I, [your adult name], am here to... " "I, [your adult name], am here to... "

Step 3: Read your letter out loud. Let the tears flow.

EXERCISE 2: ROOTEDNESS MEDITATION FOR MIGRANTS 🧘 #

(You can do it right now)

1. Sit comfortably. Close your eyes. Take 3 deep breaths.

2. Visualize roots growing from your feet, through the ground, across the ocean, all the way to your homeland.

3. Feel how those roots connect you to the strength of your ancestors, to the land of your birth.

4. Now visualize new roots growing as well, extending into the earth you now walk on.

5. Breathe feeling both roots. You don't have to choose. Both sustain you. Both nourish you.

6. **Bring your attention to your heart. Visualize your inner child there, resting, supported by both roots.

7. **Open your eyes slowly when you are ready.

EXERCISE 3: DIALOGUE WITH YOUR MIGRANT ANCESTOR 💬

1. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath.

2. Visualize your great-grandparent or grandparent who also migrated (or had to flee, or struggled to survive).

3. Ask him/her: **"What did you want for me?

   • "What did you want for me? " *"What would you have wanted for me?
   • What would you have liked me to know?
   • Do you give me permission to thrive without guilt?

4. Listen with your heart. The answer may come as:

   • A feeling
   • An image
   • An inner voice
   • An emotion
   • A wordless knowledge

5. Receive whatever comes. Trust.

BUT LOVE, THESE EXERCISES ARE JUST THE BEGINNING... #

For deep and lasting healing, you need the sacred space of a guided session.

Where I can:

✨ See what you can't see.
✨ Hold the space as you let go.
✨ Guide you through the layers of pain.
✨ Help you recover the lost fragments of your soul.
✨ Reorganize your system so that your inner child can finally rest.

.

8. BEGIN YOUR HEALING PROCESS #

"Your inner child has waited so long.... don't you think it's time? " #

My love, that child you were - that brave, scared, lonely child - is waiting.

Waiting for someone to finally see him.
Waiting for someone to finally hold him.
Hoping he can finally rest.

**That someone is you.

And I can guide you in that sacred encounter.

Are you ready for this sacred work? #

In our online inner child healing sessions, we will work on:

✓ Identifying what archetype of inner child you were.
✓ Contacting that part of you that was frozen in time.
✓ Releasing the trauma stored in your body.
✓ Re-parenting with love what you did not receive.
✓ Re-organizing your family system so that you can finally rest.
Integrating both cultures without betrayal or guilt.

All from the comfort and security of your home.

With a private space where you can finally be vulnerable.

👉 Schedule Your Inner Migrant Child Healing Session #

About the Lion Method of Psycho-Shamanic Healing **[About Lion Method of Psycho-Shamanic Healing #

I combine:

• Family Constellations (European training with German and Spanish masters)
• Transpersonal Psychology
• Work with Inner Child** (adapted John Bradshaw methodology)
• Somatic Healing** (Peter Levine - Body Trauma)
• Holistic Shamanic Healing** (my Colombian lineage)

This integrated approach allows me to offer deep and lasting healing, especially designed for the migrant soul.

📺 PLAYLIST: HEALING THE MIGRANT INNER CHILD. #

See all videos on working with the inner child

RELATED ARTICLES #

• The Migrant's Divided Heart: Healing Your Migration Story](#)
• How Online Family Constellation Heals Migration Trauma](#)
• Migrant Grief: The Wound You Never Healed
• Transgenerational Trauma: Why You Carry the Pain of Your Ancestors](#)
• The 5 Most Common Blockages in the Migrant's Soul](#)

Key words: family constellations near me, constellation therapy near me, migrant inner child, inner child healing, John Bradshaw, family constellations online, parentalization, childhood trauma migration, avoidant attachment, inner child healing

*Do you recognize your inner child in any of these archetypes? Which one resonates most with you? Share in the comments - your story may help others recognize theirs.