Ep 9: The Adult Chair Model - The Child Chair

In this foundational episode of How to Blow Up Your Life, Sara Stansberry introduces the Adult Chair Model, beginning with the chair that shapes us first and often loudest: the Inner Child.Sara breaks down how our inner child is formed between the ages of zero and seven, and how unmet needs, early attachment wounds, and childhood coping mechanisms quietly continue to run the show in our adult lives. From emotional reactivity and people-pleasing to shutdown, shame, and overwhelm — this part of us is often trying to protect us, even when it’s causing harm.This episode isn’t about pathologizing your past or blaming caregivers. It’s about learning how to recognize when your inner child is activated, understanding the difference between honoring that part of you versus being hijacked by it, and beginning the work of reparenting yourself with compassion, structure, and safety.Sara shares personal insights, real-life examples, and practical tools you can start using immediately — including how boundaries, play, creativity, and emotional attunement become powerful healing practices. This conversation lays the groundwork for the entire Adult Chair Model and offers a new lens for understanding your triggers, patterns, and emotional world.Perfect for anyone who feels like they “know better” but still reacts in ways they don’t understand — and for anyone ready to stop abandoning themselves and start becoming the safe adult their inner child has been waiting for.Key Topics Covered:- What the Inner Child actually is — and how it’s formed- The difference between honoring your inner child vs. being run by it- How childhood wounds show up as adult triggers- Why emotional reactivity is information, not failure- Reparenting yourself with safety, consistency, and care- Boundaries as an act of love for your inner child- The role of play, creativity, and joy in healing- How awareness creates choice — and choice creates changeEpisode Takeaways:- The inner child develops between ages 0–7 and shapes our emotional responses- Unmet childhood needs can create a wounded inner child- Triggers are often signals from unhealed parts of ourselves- Honoring your inner child is essential for emotional health- Boundaries are a critical form of self-care and protection- Creativity and play help restore joy and safety- Awareness is the first step toward healing- Reparenting yourself builds trust and emotional resilience- Listening to your inner child deepens self-understanding- Healing doesn’t erase the past — it changes your relationship to itWhat’s Next:This episode kicks off a multi-part series on the Adult Chair Model. In the next episode, Sara dives into the Adolescent Chair — exploring rebellion, defense mechanisms, and the parts of us that learned to survive by pushing back.Stay ConnectedFollow me for more reflections, tools, and behind-the-scenes:Substack: https://sarastansberry.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarastansberry/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarastansberryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarastansberry/Disclaimer:Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical and/or mental health practitioner or other healthcare provider for individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health or lifestyle, or to address specific medical conditions. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Get full access to How To Blow Up Your Life at sarastansberry.substack.com/subscribe