Every moment of every day we're at choice – and yet experiences from the past create our beliefs and influence those decisions. If your past includes abuse and trauma, then the fears and phobias that were once defense mechanisms may now be running the show. This creates a life on repeat. Abuse survivors are often told they deserved it and “were no good” or “would never amount to anything.” If deep down, we believe this we may attract people or situations that perpetuate the pattern – even if the abuse is more subtle.
Just as groundwater might only be detectable by some mysterious green vegetation in a dry area, our memories may only be detectable by the poisonous haze they cast over our lives. For many, that poison seeps to the surface so insidiously that the harm it causes is a baffling mystery leaving you asking: “Why am I like this?”
Just as groundwater might only be detectable by some mysterious green vegetation in a dry area, our memories may only be detectable by the poisonous haze they cast over our lives.
Sigmond Freud and Carl Jung were the pioneers of regression therapy. Freud introduced the idea of bringing the unconscious mind to conscious awareness for healing, while Carl Jung’s use of active imagination influenced the development of guided imagery techniques that have helped thousands. Many others have followed solidifying regression therapy as a viable, evidence-based method.
Regression is often not the place to start for those with deep trauma. It may reveal too much too soon and can be difficult to process. That said, this depends entirely on you. I like to start with how past experiences created beliefs that have impacted your choices. Do you have a sexual dysfunction that is causing difficulty in a current relationship? Do your fears drive perfectionism? These are all symptoms. The root cause may not be the abuse itself, but with the parent, sibling, teacher, etc. who failed to protect you. It's not always about the perpetrator. It is often more about helping you forgive and find compassion for yourself or whoever wronged you or those that did nothing about it. When you can recognize that they weren’t inherently evil and did the best they could with the resources they had you can find peace and make different choices. This is a big part of dealing with generational trauma. So often "children live what they learn"...until they understand there are other options.
What About False Memories?
We’re all looking at the world through our own lens and in this sense, false memories or “confabulation” is very real. Perception is everything so the factual truth of an event is irrelevant. Your interpretation and perspective about the memories are your truth. This is one reason why details uncovered while in hypnosis aren't often admissible in court unless they can be verified and validated. Typically, when a deep-seated memory surfaces in hypnosis, you won't necessarily remember it afterward. What matters is the resolution, reframing of an event, and healing that comes from the session. Our imagination and creativity reside in the subconscious mind, so it makes sense that the details of a memory may or may not be 100% accurate.
Perception is everything so the factual truth of an event is irrelevant.
Types of Regression
Childhood Regression
In hypnosis, it’s not always necessary to re-enact the intense experiences of a traumatic event. The hypnotic state can give you a bird’s eye view in a safe environment so that you can see the past from the perspective of a reporter to achieve healing. Nothing may come up at first but then with visualization prompts memories you’ve pushed down will resurface in your conscious mind where you can talk about these emotions and memories, and uncover what’s influencing you now. In the hypnotic state you will have fewer hesitations in uncovering aspects of the past you would not ordinarily talk about.
You may want to undergo age regression therapy if you:
· Feel guilty about something in the past, but you don’t know what it is
· Have difficulties being emotionally or physically intimate
· Have relationship problems
· Have fears without knowing why
Natal Regression
Best-selling author, Michael Gabriel, in "How Your Womb Memories Have Shaped Your Life and How to Heal Them" states that:
“Our experiences may well be more intense before birth than at any later time in life. If we are to understand ourselves, our motives, and our personal development, the study of our prenatal experiences is invaluable. These experiences profoundly affect our ability to love ourselves and others and to achieve what we desire in life. "
Past Life Regression
Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard once said, “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.” Google “stories of past life regression” and you’ll find fascinating accounts. People with chronic health issues that have no known origin, those with inexplicable phobias, as well as persistent pregnancy issues, and those searching for their life purpose, are all good candidates for past life regression therapy. You must stay open-minded and embrace the idea that consciousness doesn't die when your heart stops beating. Past lives have helped some unlock trauma, explain anxiety, and even give context to a disease they are living with today. The wisdom of the ancient healing tool of hypnosis is utilized to help you learn the origin of current life problems or difficulties and find a happy and successful prior lifetime that, upon seeing it, will help you build confidence in your current endeavors.
You must stay open-minded and embrace the idea that consciousness doesn't die when your heart stops beating.
In a deep state of relaxation, you can re-engage with the layers of your consciousness and become an explorer through the filters and the layers of your mind. You can also connect to guides or guardians for help. Seeing and feeling the experience is key. You may feel like you’re making things up, but there are many documented cases of healing and help with this method. Brian Weiss, MD author of Many Lives, Many Masters is a traditionally-schooled psychiatrist who has demonstrated his work on the Oprah Show.
Some questions we may explore include:
Have I been here before?
What is my life purpose?
Is there free will?
Why am I like this?
Why is my life like this?
Why are they acting like this?
Is that Karma?
What should I do?
Where am I going?
And the ultimate question – WHY AM I HERE?
Remember, whatever you are searching for is already inside of you.
A 6-session package (or more) is best for this very important life-changing work.