Regression therapy

Regression therapy is an effective method for those who are willing to explore the deeper layers of their subconscious and work to resolve their issues through understanding and processing past experiences. However, it is not always a journey into the past; clients often go through a process of visions and perceptions that are deeply symbolic and archetypal. The success of the therapy depends on the quality of the relationship between therapist and client, as well as the client's willingness to open up and actively participate in the process This is a method that focuses on exploring and processing past events and symbolic levels that may influence the individual's current psychological state and behavior. This method is often used to address a variety of psychological problems, traumas and physical ailments that have no obvious medical explanation. Regression therapy can be applied through hypnotherapy (called American hypnosis) or other techniques to induce an altered state of consciousness. Regression therapy is a legacy of ancient hypnotic and trance techniques that has evolved into the modern structured methods used in contemporary therapy. This development has been influenced by a number of important figures and their contributions to the understanding of the human psyche and the meaning of past experiences.

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Today, regression therapy is a diverse and dynamic discipline that finds application in the treatment of many people's psychological and emotional problems. Today, there are many different approaches to regression therapy, including psychodynamic, transpersonal, and spiritual methods. Regression therapy is used in clinical and alternative therapeutic practices around the world. 

Regression therapy remains somewhat controversial from a Western scientific perspective, particularly because it mediates past life experiences for many clients, but there is ongoing research within conventional medicine and psychotherapy into its effectiveness and the mechanisms by which it may operate.

 

Principles of regression therapy

1. Exploring the past: regression therapy is based on the premise that many current problems are rooted in past events, often from childhood, pregnancy and childbirth, or even from so-called past lives (in the context of so-called reincarnation therapy). In my practice, I view past life experiences as a symbolic language of the psyche that allows us to process the causes of our difficulties. What about reincarnation and consciousness beyond life is an open question that will one day be answered for each of us.

2. Gaining a new perspective: the session puts familiar and unfamiliar events, experiences and relationships in a new perspective, giving the opportunity to understand their meaning or give them new meaning and process the emotions associated with them. It can help to understand and process the roots of mental and physical problems, gain insight into recurring patterns of behaviour and thinking, or improve self-awareness and self-acceptance.Thus it can provide deep understanding and relief. Release of negative emotions: The process of therapy often involves releasing repressed emotions, offering the opportunity to change negative patterns of behavior and thinking, achieve emotional release. and find inner peace and harmony.

3. Working with the symbolic and spiritual planes - spiritual regression: in the symbolic plane, the deep subconscious layers of the mind are explored for personal insights and spiritual growth. Instead of examining past events, this approach focuses on uncovering and understanding the symbolic images, feelings and metaphors that emerge during the session... These symbolic images can be interpreted as representations of inner conflicts, personal values or unresolved emotions.Emotions, can be linked by certain symbolic images, helping the client to understand the deeper layers of their psychological state. Spiritual insights may also be included, with the client gaining new understanding or insight into their life path, values and goals.The goal of symbolic spiritual regression is to help the client discover and integrate hidden aspects of their personality, heal emotional wounds, and achieve greater personal and spiritual awareness.

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Regression therapy procedure

1. Client preparation:

   • Therapy begins with an interview, where the therapist obtains background information about the client, his/her problems, and the goals of therapy.It is important that the client clearly articulates his or her purpose for the session

1. • The therapist will explain the process of therapy to the client so that they feel safe and know what to expect.

   • It is important to create an environment of trust and safety, which is key to the successful exploration of challenging experiences.

2. Induction of an altered state of consciousness:

   • The therapist will use techniques such as deep relaxation and guided imagery to induce an altered state of consciousness.

   • The goal is to achieve a state where the client recalls subconscious memories and emotions or perceptions and visions from the symbolic, archetypal and spiritual planes.

3. Regression:

   • The therapist guides the client through the process, often using visualization techniques or specific questions.

   • The client may re-experience memories of events that are central to his or her current problems.

   • The process may involve re-experiencing situations from childhood, the prenatal period, or even so-called past life readings in a deeply symbolic journey through super-personal levels of consciousness.

4. Processing:

   • The therapist helps the client to process and integrate the lived experiences.

   • This step may involve expressing and releasing repressed emotions, reprocessing negative beliefs, or changing one's perspective on events.

5. Closure and integration:

   • After returning to normal consciousness, the therapist discusses with the client the lived experiences and feelings.

   • The client is encouraged to integrate new awarenesses and positive changes into their daily life.

   • The therapist may provide additional support or recommendations for continued personal growth.​

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Indications and contraindications

Indications:

• Chronic physical ailments with no apparent medical cause.

• Phobias, anxiety, depression and other psychological problems (in collaboration with medical professionals)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (in collaboration with health professionals)

• Low self-esteem and self-acceptance problems.

• Unresolved emotional and relationship problems.

Contraindications:

• Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) without stabilization.

• Lack of trust between client and therapist.

• Expectation of miraculous results without willingness to work on self.

• Use of psychotropic substances that could affect the ability to concentrate and perceive.

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Disadvantages:

 

• Can be emotionally challenging and provoke strong reactions.

• Not everyone is able or willing to open themselves up to such deep introspection.

• Not one of the conventional methods, some experts consider it ineffective or even harmful.

• It can evoke strong emotions that are difficult to process.

• There is a risk of false memories - can be eliminated by accepting that it is poetic speech of the soul, not reports of an objective state of reality. The therapeutic shift achieved is important. Some authors ( e.g. Joan Borysenko) suggest conceiving of any past life experiences brought about by regression as information intended for the individual's personal growth, not as evidence of reincarnation or that the experiences lived in regression are really the client's experience.

 

The history of regression therapy

Regression therapy has its roots in various psychotherapeutic and spiritual traditions. The following is an overview of the key moments and personalities that have contributed to the development of this therapeutic method.

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Ancient and traditional practices

• Ancient Egypt and Greece: In ancient Egypt and Greece, various forms of hypnotic and trance techniques were used to gain insight into past events and healing. Priests and healers often used rituals and meditation to achieve an altered state of consciousness.

• Eastern traditions: In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, reincarnation and karma are an important part of the faith. Practices such as meditation and samadhi were used to explore past lives and karmic influences.

19th century

• Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815): German physician who developed the theory of "animal magnetism" and hypnotic states.His work laid the foundation for the later development of hypnosis.

• James Braid (1795-1860): A Scottish physician who popularized and developed hypnosis techniques, which was instrumental in the later development of regression therapy.

20th century

• Sigmund Freud (1856-1939): Founder of psychoanalysis who used free association techniques and dream analysis to explore unconscious memories and trauma.

• Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961): Jung's work with the unconscious and the concept of the collective unconscious contributed to an understanding of the deeper layers of the psyche and the meaning of past experiences.

Mid-20th century

• Morris Netherton: One of the pioneers of modern regression therapy who developed structured methods for working with regression into past lives in the 1960s.

• Helen Wambach: Psychologist who conducted extensive research on past life regression therapy in the 1970s and 1980s. Her work included statistical analyses of the experiences of thousands of people during regression sessions.

End of the 20th century

• Brian Weiss: American psychiatrist who popularized past-life regression therapy with his books, especially Many Lives, Many Masters.His work attracted the attention of the general public and raised awareness of regression therapy.

• Michael Newton: Founder of "spiritual regression", which focuses on exploring life between lives.His books "Journey of Souls" and "Destiny of Souls" became bestsellers and contributed to the popularity of this form of therapy.