This is where hypnotherapy has come in to save me.  I too see a hypnotherapist, and with her guidance I was able to SLOWLY open myself up.  

I remember the first time the the concept of an inner child was brought to my attention. I scoffed.  How ridiculous!
At the age of 51 the last thing I ever thought would happen is I would meet my inner child.  The very thought made me very angry and I could not get away fast enough.
And then one evening as I sat in an zoom class the subject of the inner child came up.  Again, it stirred something deep inside. Once again, my stomach knotted up and I wanted to run.  I was in the process of becoming a Certified Hypnotherapist at The Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI) so of course I had to be educated on the subject. 
As a student I was able to listen and learn, but would NOT allow such a thing to enter my mind for myself.  As time went on and through my clinical internship, I used the inner child healing on many clients.  The things I witnessed were amazing.  Healing, self forgiveness and people turning their lives around, finding happiness and growth.
It slowly began to stir something from deep within me.  Maybe, just maybe I do have an inner child.  Again, the thought brought up emotions I was not used to.  For much of my life, I walked around numb. Not happy but not sad.  I was just there. Keeping people at a distance and not allowing anyone to get to close.   

Does this sound familiar? 

During a meditation, I decided to allow myself to ponder the idea of an inner child. That is when it hit me! During that meditation I got a glimpse of my own inner child.  No, I did not see a clear picture, but I did get a sense of her.  Deep within myself I could feel a very sad, hurt, lonely little girl that is hiding behind a door.  A door I have kept shut, locked and bolted because I did not know how to deal with the pain. 
I discussed this with my own hypnotherapist and she helped me by doing hypnosis and giving me suggestions that would rewrite my negative subconscious script.  I was safe, and I had resources.  She enabled me to meet my inner child in a safe place within my imagination.  For the first time I was able to comfort that little girl and let her know that she is a bad ass and no one was going to stop her from succeeding.  I gave her love and let her know we were a team and from now on she had nothing to fear.  The things that happened were not her fault. 
Now, I have an amazing relationship with my inner child.  Our work is not done.  Things still come up and will trigger something hidden.  But now, I go within and visit my inner child who is growing stronger then ever.  I feel stronger and have more confidence than I ever had.  It’s no longer just me against the world.