Introduction: What is Regression Hypnosis?
Regression hypnosis is a technique in which the patient enters an altered state of consciousness. Once the individual is in this altered state, the therapist can reintroduce them to the desired event or experience from their past (Ronen-Setter & Cohen, 2020).
The therapeutic application of regression hypnosis is predicated on the idea that memories of past events can be acquired, stored, and experienced through talking, so long as the individual remains in a trance state.
The primary purpose of regression hypnosis as a therapeutic technique is to provide direct access to memories or experiences that are typically inaccessible to conscious thought.
Benefits of Regression Hypnosis
Regression hypnosis is a potent and effective method for uncovering and resolving underlying psychological issues (Hawkins, 2021).
It has been discovered that hypnosis is an effective method for facilitating patients’ access to memories and experiences they were previously unable to recall. In some instances, people are able to access memories of prenatal stages and early childhood, which can be extremely beneficial for treating psychological issues (Gilligan, 2018).
Desensitization is an additional aspect of regression hypnosis. This is done to alleviate any discomfort they may be experiencing by allowing them to recall intense, traumatic, and deeply buried memories (Mamoune et al, 2022).
The effects of regression hypnosis can vary from patient to patient, but the common result is a sense of relief and the elimination of psychological distress. Regression hypnosis has been shown to improve the mental outlook of patients and their ability to function in daily life, according to numerous studies.
Techniques
Numerous techniques, including post-hypnotic suggestion and open-ended approaches such as guided visualization, have been found to be effective in this type of hypnosis.
Cognitive restructuring is also used to assist clients in reframing past events in order to develop a healthier perspective on them.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can be used effectively to reduce or eliminate emotional disturbances that may be impeding progress.
Hypnotherapy can be used in conjunction with other modalities including talk therapy, psychodynamic counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback, and music therapy.
With the appropriate combination of techniques, practitioners are able to comprehensively assess the needs of their clients, personalize an approach for each client, and resolve their issues in a secure environment.
Who it can help
Regression hypnosis is an effective method for identifying and treating issues such as trauma or anxiety.
Hypnosis can be used to access memories that would otherwise be inaccessible, thereby aiding in the investigation of the root causes of current issues.
The process entails recalling past traumatic experiences and allowing the individual to safely process them in order to facilitate healing and ultimately move on.
By processing the emotions associated with these memories, individuals can gain greater insight into their current experiences, develop new coping strategies for dealing with life’s challenges, and develop healthier behaviors in the future.
It has been discovered that regression hypnosis has positive effects on trauma-related symptoms such as:
- depression,
- anxiety,
- self-destructive behavior,
- nightmares,
- and insomnia (Fredette et al., 2013).
Considerations
As a therapeutic tool, regression hypnosis requires the therapist to maintain objectivity and neutrality throughout the procedure. They refrain from making any judgments or assumptions about the patient, as certain decisions could hinder the patient’s progress.
Concerns around regression include the risk of implanting false memories leading to inaccurate therapeutic conclusions. Furthermore, because hypnotic states involve bypassing critical thinking processes, there can be an exaggerated quality to reported memories; this limits accurate recall due to increased suggestibility (Palsson, et al, 2022).
Summary
In conclusion, regression hypnosis can be an effective treatment for psychological conditions such as anxiety and trauma.
It enables individuals to access memories or experiences that are typically inaccessible to conscious thought, which can aid in identifying and addressing the root causes of their current problems.
It is crucial to note, however, that the technique carries the risk of implanting false memories and increased suggestibility and should be utilized with caution. Therapists must maintain objectivity and neutrality throughout the procedure and may employ a variety of techniques to facilitate it.
References
Fredette, C., El-Baalbaki, G., Neron, S., & Palardy, V. (2013). Using hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety disorders: pros and cons. New Insights into Anxiety Disorders, 343-77.
Gilligan, S. (2018). Therapeutic trances: The cooperation principle in Ericksonian hypnotherapy. Routledge.
Hawkins, P. J. (2021). Hypnoanalysis: An integration of clinical hypnosis and psychodynamic therapy. In New approaches to integration in psychotherapy (pp. 61-73). Routledge.
Mamoune, S., Mener, E., Chapron, A., & Poimboeuf, J. (2022). Hypnotherapy and insomnia: A narrative review of the literature. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 102805.
Palsson, O. S., Kekecs, Z., De Benedittis, G., Moss, D., Elkins, G., Terhune, D., … & Whorwell, P. (2022). Current Practices, Experiences, and Views in Clinical Hypnosis: Findings of an International Survey. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.
Ronen-Setter, I. H., & Cohen, E. (2020). Becoming “teletherapeutic”: Harnessing accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP) for challenges of the Covid-19 era. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 50(4), 265-273.