You would think that at 65 years old, after decades of personal growth, healing work, and studying human behavior, I’d have this whole life thing figured out.

Well, apparently nobody informed my inner children! 😂

Every once in a while, something happens, and one of those younger versions of Christina decides she has something to say.

Maybe someone questions something I’ve said, and suddenly I feel the need to explain myself.

Or I find myself taking responsibility for something that really isn’t mine to carry.

And there I am, a grown woman, thinking:

“Could we PLEASE have one adult experience without calling a meeting of the entire childhood committee?”

Here’s what I’ve come to understand.

Awareness doesn’t necessarily mean those old patterns disappear.

We can recognize that we have difficulty saying no.

We can understand why we feel responsible for everyone else’s happiness.

We can even recognize when our emotional response seems much bigger than the situation calls for.

And still, those younger parts of us occasionally show up!

As children, we develop ways of navigating the world. We learn what brings approval, what creates conflict, and what helps us feel safe, loved, or connected.

Those early adaptations can follow us right into adulthood.

Sometimes they’re so familiar that we don’t even recognize who’s making the decisions.

But here’s the part I find encouraging.

We don’t have to silence those younger parts of ourselves. We can learn to understand them without letting them run the show.

I sometimes imagine the adult Christina gently saying to one of those little girls:

“I know why you’re upset, sweetheart. But I’ve got this one.” ❤️

And that, to me, is an important part of healing.

Not becoming someone who never reacts, never struggles, or never feels an old wound.

But becoming someone who can recognize what’s happening and respond differently.

It’s also the inspiration behind my new six-week live workshop:

The Part of You That Never Left

Beginning Tuesday, January 19, 2027

Over six weeks, we’ll explore how our early experiences can continue influencing our relationships, boundaries, emotional responses, and sense of self.

Each 90-minute session will include teaching, personal reflection, and a substantial guided inner-child visualization.

This isn’t about blaming our parents or endlessly revisiting painful memories.

It’s about getting to know those younger parts of ourselves with greater understanding, compassion, and perhaps even a little humor.

Because let’s face it, some of those little ones have been waiting a very long time to be heard!

Early Registration: $297 through January 7​
Regular registration: $397

​Explore the Workshop & Register​

I’d love to have you join us.

Warmly,

Tina Brigitini, Psy.Th.D.​
Crystalline Awaken Retreats

Six Tuesdays, January 19 – February 23, 2027​
​6:00–7:30 PM Eastern | Live on Zoom