Recognizing Childhood and Emotional Baggage

Many people resist the idea that their childhood has any impact on their adult life and their marriage. It is a truism, nevertheless. Some may meet some initial resistance to this idea. However, most participants will soon see the connection. In fact, this particular workshop is named more often than any other as the most insightful presentation.

The presentation on childhood issues begins with a tool called a “guided meditation.” Through the use of their imagination, participants are brought back to their childhood at about age twelve. The presenter guides them with gentle suggestions about the scene and has them remember each parent and their relationship. The exercise is geared to help group members begin to get in touch with their childhood in a non-threatening way.

This opens the way to understanding the later demonstrations about the residue of emotions and unmet needs, which they may still experience.