I really relate the idea of re-parenting to what is the substance of step 2 and the higher power.  I first learned about re-parenting at my work in Birmingham where the clients were on the “last chance corral” with us in a therapeutic community.  I saw the most amazing work being done with those that the mental health system would regard as un-workable with and the idea of rehabilitation being an option only funded for the individuals if there was nothing else left but institutionalisation.  Here within the safety of a loving community more edgy therapy work could take place and clients were contained and lovingly attended to.  Everyone worked from the heart and with this healthy relationships were learned about, different values instilled,  negative and toxic self beliefs challenged,  self destructive behavioural patterns were replace by healthier habits and individuals grew and developed with love and learning.  They went through a process of de-confusion where all the mush inside their heads which hurt their hearts were acknowledged but re-aligned and balanced out to provide some clarity and peace.  Then with therapy their punitive parental ego states were de-contaminated over a period of time.  This allowed their inner child some safety to learn new things and ways of being, freeing up their spirits and healing their hearts and bringing some joy into their souls.  This process took time as human beings are like chemistry sets where to many new ingredients could set up a fizz of overwhelm.  Nevertheless, the once though of impossible did happen and people got well.  They went back to study, some getting degrees, they got married, they got jobs and had social lives, they had kids, they travelled and “THEY HAD A LIFE”.  This really captured my heart as I saw the power of human healing and what can be done with compassion and kindness without rescue.  I see the Higher Power as a form of re-parenting, re-spiriting- re-socialising , re-evolving etc etc  Whatever you like to call it is an individual choice.  Its the fact that we all have the capacity to introject something new which is healthy and loving that has the power to engage us with a more spiritual path and put down different foundations with values that are worthwhile.