The Battle Within

The Battle Within: How Early Wounds Shape Our Inner Voice

One of the reasons we can feel so powerless or stuck in life is because, at some point, what started as an external struggle has moved inside of us.

This happens, for example, when we experience criticism, rejection, or emotional pain from important people in our lives—parents, teachers, or other authority figures when we were young and dependent.

As children, we are not yet able to tell the difference between what belongs to the outside world and what belongs to ourselves. So instead of saying, 'My parent is being unfair,' the child tends to think, 'I must be bad,' or 'Something is wrong with me.'

Over time, these experiences can form an inner voice—a kind of inner critic—that keeps attacking us even when the original situation is long gone.

Jung described how outer struggles, especially when they are emotionally intense, can 'move inside' and become part of our inner world. When that happens, it feels as though the fight is no longer out there, but within ourselves.

This can lead to self-doubt, guilt, fear of failure, or an overwhelming sense that we are not good enough.

A key step in therapy is learning to recognize this inner critic for what it is—a part of us that was formed in reaction to painful experiences, not the truth about who we are. By seeing this clearly, we can start to separate from the inner critic and reconnect with our true self, which is much larger, stronger, and more whole than the critic wants us to believe. 

If you recognize yourself in these words, I want you to know—you are not alone. These inner battles are part of being human, and they show us where healing is waiting to happen. In my own life and in my work with clients, I have seen how powerful it can be to turn toward these inner voices with curiosity and care, rather than fear or judgment. Healing takes courage, but it is always possible.

I invite you to take the first step—whether that means reflecting on your own story, seeking support, or simply being kind to yourself today.