What Is Shadow Work — And Why I Use It in Therapy
Holistic therapy • Trauma-informed healing • Mind–body integration
We all have parts of ourselves we don’t show the world — the pieces we’ve learned to hide, silence, or avoid to feel safe or accepted. These hidden layers are often called “the shadow,” and while the concept might sound mysterious, shadow work is actually one of the most grounding, empowering tools in therapy.
As a therapist who blends clinical practices with holistic, mind–body approaches, shadow work naturally fits into how I support clients through anxiety, trauma, stress, and emotional overwhelm. Here’s what shadow work really is and why it matters.
So… what is the shadow?
Carl Jung described the “shadow” as the parts of ourselves we’ve learned to hide or suppress in order to feel safe, loved, or accepted.
These might include:
Emotions you weren’t allowed to express
Needs you silenced to stay safe or accepted
Anger, sadness, fear, or desires you learned to hide
Parts of your personality you felt were “too much” or “not enough”
Unconscious beliefs and stories shaped by childhood or past relationships
Your shadow isn’t the “bad” part of you — it’s simply the unspoken part. And when we ignore it, it tends to show up as anxiety, overthinking, self-doubt, emotional reactivity, burnout, or patterns that keep repeating.
Shadow work helps bring those patterns into the light with gentleness and curiosity.
What exactly is shadow work?
Shadow work is the process of exploring your inner world — the deeper, unconscious layers that influence your thoughts, reactions, and relationships.
In therapy, this can look like:
Guided reflection and inner inquiry
Somatic awareness and nervous system connection
Exploring emotional triggers and patterns
Inner child or inner protector work
Compassion-based practices
Journaling prompts
Mind–body grounding tools
Shadow work isn’t about digging up the past for the sake of it. It’s about understanding how old experiences, beliefs, and protective patterns impact your present — and learning to shift them in a safe, supported way.
Why I Use Shadow Work in My Practice
Shadow work aligns deeply with how I help clients heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves. Here’s why I find it so effective:
1. It gets to the root of anxiety and emotional patterns
Many clients say, “I don’t know why I react this way.”
Shadow work helps uncover the why, which is often the key to lasting change.
2. It reduces overwhelm and emotional reactivity
When you understand your patterns, they feel less unpredictable. You gain clarity, calm, and a stronger sense of self.
3. It honours the mind–body connection
Your body stores memory, emotion, and survival responses. Shadow work pairs beautifully with somatic tools to create deeper nervous system regulation.
4. It supports trauma-informed healing
We explore the shadow gently — never forcing, never pushing.
This makes it supportive for trauma work, attachment wounds, and long-standing emotional patterns.
5. It builds self-compassion
Instead of judging yourself for your reactions, you learn to understand them.
Shadow work turns self-criticism into self-awareness.
Shadow work isn’t about perfection — it’s about integration
The goal isn’t to “fix” you or eliminate certain feelings.
It’s to help you become more whole — more connected to the parts of yourself that have been ignored or misunderstood.
When we integrate the shadow, we gain:
Healthier relationships
Clearer boundaries
Emotional resilience
A deeper sense of ease and authenticity
Healing becomes less about trying to be someone else and more about returning to yourself.
Interested in Exploring Your Shadow?
I integrate shadow work organically throughout my therapy sessions, always at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
If you’re curious about shadow work, or you’re noticing patterns you’re ready to shift, you’re welcome to reach out or book a session through my website. You don’t have to explore your inner world alone — healing is easier when you’re supported.
Learn more or book a session:
👉 www.mileahtherapy.com