Let me start by saying that the “inner child” is a very new concept to me. I’ve started doing this work on myself just recently, and I’m still not 100% clear on the entire process. I do think this book helped clarify some stuff for me, and I look forward to trying some of the tools she provided, especially the bilateral journal. Still, I think I need to reread this again to really grasp the entire idea. There was a lot of information to digest. I loved the biblical tie in very much, (though I am not Catholic). None of the references to Catholicism bothered me - there weren’t many.

I was also given this book as an advanced reader copy, and there were so many errors in it with formatting and spacing, so it was sometimes hard to read as a result of that. Plus, several examples that she provided in the book were actually blank for me in my ebook ARC. I think those examples could have really helped me! It also took me several months to read this, and as a result, I forgot some of the content I read early on. I will be reviewing my notes!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ave Maria Press for providing me this ARC!

I loved how this book approached inner child work from the Catholic perspective. Mental health is so important and needs to be discussed on a Catholic setting.

I will probably be buying this book because while I loved it, you need to spend more time with this book to fully appreciate the journey it should take you on. I really loved that she had guided meditations. Can't wait to read through this again!

Brya Hanon has written a wonderful book, but like she says in the beginning, work through it slowly. If it feels overwhelming, do it with a counselor that you trust. I believe this book will be a huge blessing to the reader!

This is a book that needs time. It isn't one to just sit down and read, it takes time for reflection, prayer and working through memories and feelings. I wouldn't say this is only for Catholics, as a Christian I felt it spoke to me well.

I am going to keep returning to this book, using it to refocus. It is useful to go back to and take time to consider.

I don't have much experience with self help style books for comparison, but this book is helpful.

I had thought I had left my inner child behind long ago. After all, I was a full-grown woman and had to attend to "grown up" agenda items all day long.

But reading Befriending Your Inner Child: A Catholic Approach to Healing and Wholeness had a profound effect on me. Author Brya Hanan does a magnificent job of explaining the concept of the inner child--and why we need to make friends with him or her in order to live a life of freedom.

My skepticism quickly disappeared as I read Hanan's insightful reflections. The examples the author gives are quite accessible and on-point. The book aids the reader in reclaiming his or her stature as an image of God.

I found the book to be conducive to deep prayer and meditation. Kudos to Hanan for creating a work which will definitely stand the test of time.

I love this book because Brya allows us to get vulnerable and understand the different parts of us by guiding us through meditations and exercises. Brya teaches us that we all have a child within wounded and screaming to be heard. Throughout the book you will learn not only to hear the inner child but that it’s ok to suffer with them seek to truly understand their heart and heal with them. she equips us with tools like the 5 A’s to better understand how to comfort them, and challenge them to become everything god intended us to be our imago dei. If you’re serious about self development, making mends with your past and growing into the best versions of yourself this books for you!

"Befriending Your Inner Child: A Catholic Approach to Healing and Wholeness" it's a game-changer! First off, can we just appreciate how comforting and relatable Hanan's writing style is? It's like having a heart-to-heart with a wise friend who totally gets it. This book dives into the nitty-gritty of our emotional baggage and why it's crucial to give our inner child some TLC. What I loved most is how she doesn't just preach; she shares her own struggles and gives practical tools to help you nurture your inner child. Plus, those "Befriend Work" exercises in each chapter? Gold. If you're looking to make peace with your past and deepen your faith along the way, give this book a shot. Trust me, your inner child will thank you for it.

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.