This is a sample exercise that I may do with a client around anxiety. It incorporates EMDR and Internal Family Systems to help you identify and work with the family system that exists within your own mind.

As a child, you tell yourself the story that preserves your sense of safety: my parents are good and have it all under control. Safety is a primitive, inherent need you have and your growth as a child depends on it. You're completely dependent on your parents and if they weren't good enough and couldn't provide this sense of safety, the fear would capsize your child self and stunt your emotional and interpersonal development.