Positive Solutions Hypnotherapy

This is a topic that comes up in conversation every so often.

Please understand that when most hypnotherapists use the term “regression”, it is in reference to a hypnotic tool used to discover the “initial sensitizing event” (ISE) that is the root causation for a certain behavior. For example, as a two year old the client was mistakenly locked in a closet alone in the dark. Recently on an elevator, this same client experienced an overwhelming panic or anxiety when the elevator car was stuck between floors. Now, the client avoids the elevator entirely.

Regression therapy (hypnosis) is used to bring the ISE to light. Understanding how and why these feelings have surfaced and, in this example, are focused on an elevator car greatly assists the client with dealing with those emotions and feelings towards a resolution. Freud was a big pioneer and termed this Psychic Determinism.

Regression is useful for most phobias and are used in practice by most hypnotherapists.





The Search for Bridey Murphy, Edgar Casey, the search for the Dali Lama, and reincarnation, have always ignited the imaginations and emotions of the populous. Not unexpectantly, Past Life Regression is a far more controversial practice that hypnotherapists generally line up on one of two sides: one side believes that past lives are an expression of the imagination under hypnosis and that hypnotherapists that engage in performing Past Life Regression are doing the equivalent of selling “snake oil” at a carnival.

The other side believes that whether or not it is an expression of the subconscious imagination, the hypnotherapist must accept it and thereby treat it as real. Often Past Life Regressions reveal a situation or event pertinent to the client’s current experience. Often, it can be revealing and impactful to the client and potentially has the same effect as an ISE revelation. 

I perform Past Life Regression on occasion and have always found it fascinating. While I’ve had my fair share of various famous historical figures, warriors, and pharaohs, some of the details expressed in the most innocuous regressed personage can be astonishing and surprising.  I remain open-minded in regards to this and continue to participate in this fascinating area of hypnotherapy.

Really, who wouldn’t want to speak with Benjamin Franklin?