Why I Won’t Offer Past Life Regression Therapy, Even as a Believer

When I started looking into certification programs for hypnotherapy, it was because I had such an interest in past life regression therapy. As someone who has read literally every book Dr. Brian Weiss wrote (and many other authors), I consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur. I wanted to bring about the healing I’d read so much about to my loved ones and beyond. However, now as a clinical hypnotherapist, my opinion has changed, but it’s not as cut and dry as “I don’t offer past life regression therapy.” Because, in fact, I do. You just can’t specifically book it with me. Let me explain.

Although I am a huge believer in reincarnation and that exploring our past lives may hold the key, in some cases, to profound healing, I can’t offer a session that promises I can take you there. Frankly, no hypnotherapist can promise that, and while it’s totally possible that a spontaneous past life regression may happen in your session with me, I won’t direct you there and there are four main reasons for this.

Reason Number One: Transforming Therapy is Client Led Hypnotherapy

Through my certification process, I studied Gil Boyne’s Transforming Therapy and this is the approach I take with clients. 

What is Transforming Therapy?

Transforming Therapy, coined by Gil Boyne, is an influential approach to hypnotherapy that emphasizes rapid and profound transformation through therapeutic interventions. Boyne developed this method based on his extensive experience in hypnotherapy and his belief in the power of the subconscious mind to effect lasting change. Transforming Therapy involves accessing the subconscious mind through hypnosis and utilizing a variety of techniques, such as regression therapy, direct suggestion, and visualization, to address deep-seated issues, traumas, and negative patterns. The goal of Transforming Therapy is to facilitate rapid and enduring transformation in clients by uncovering and resolving underlying psychological blocks and empowering them to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

One of the main principles of Transforming Therapy is being “client-led.” Now, after my studies and all my research into the subconscious mind, not only with hypnotherapy but with spirituality and beyond, I firmly believe in the power of the subconscious mind. Personally, I’ve come to think of the subconscious mind a lot like the highest self. Though, that’s not a completely accurate characterization, because the subconscious mind is especially vulnerable to misunderstandings that can make a huge (oftentimes negative) impact. However, much like Reiki, which flows wherever it's needed for the highest good, the subconscious mind knows exactly where we need to go for the best and most needed results at the time of the session. 

Promising that I can take you to a past life during a hypnotherapy session would be trying to lead the subconscious mind, placing my thoughts, opinions, and ideas above the wisdom of my client’s own subconscious mind. So, rather than imposing predetermined goals or agendas onto my clients, I trust in their innate wisdom to lead the way during hypnotherapy sessions. This client-led approach ensures that the therapeutic journey unfolds organically and authentically, allowing for profound healing and transformation. If that healing is to be found in a past life, then so be it. 

Reason Number Two: The Rules of the Subconscious Mind for Hypnotherapy

One of the fundamental principles of hypnotherapy is understanding the rules of the subconscious mind. Gil Boyne, the father of Transforming Therapy outlined 8 main rules of the mind, and there are many more guidelines or specifics to consider. One such rule is that:

The greater the conscious effort, the less the subconscious response. 

In the context of Past Life Regression Therapy, this means that if a client comes in and is trying really hard to regress to a past life while at the same time, the hypnotist is trying really hard to force the client into a past life, the more likely the subconscious mind is going to just simply shut down. This being the case, if the client experiences anything at all, it’s likely to be inauthentic results. 

Now, if in all of its infinite wisdom, the subconscious mind knows that the answers lie in a past life, that’s where it will naturally take us. However, regression to a past life must occur naturally and spontaneously, without forced effort or expectation. 

By honoring the natural flow of the subconscious mind, we can access deeper levels of awareness and uncover insights that lead to genuine healing and resolution.

Reason Number Three: The Pitfalls of the Desperate Mystic in Past Life Regression Therapy

Desperation to experience something mystical or profound during hypnotherapy can be counterproductive and lead to confusion. When clients approach hypnotherapy with a desperate desire to uncover past lives or mystical experiences, they may indeed have an experience, but it may be clouded by uncertainty and doubt. Without a clear distinction between genuine memories and imagined narratives, clients may struggle to integrate their experiences and derive meaningful benefits from the therapeutic process. As a result, I prioritize creating a supportive and grounded environment where clients can explore their subconscious with curiosity and openness, free from pressure or expectation.

This point makes me think of two personal stories that I’ve experienced along my journey. 

The first is that of my vision of a butterfly while I was meditating one evening. If you’ve taken many of my yoga classes, you may have heard me tell this story. The short version is that after years and years of holding onto anger and feeling more righteous rage each time someone told me to “let go of my anger,” I had a deeply mystical and meaningful experience while meditating in which I saw a fist clenching so tightly the knuckles were turning white. In an instant, the fist started to release and I saw a butterfly being crushed. As the hand opened, the butterfly unfurled completely unharmed and flitted away. The intuitive message was clear: my anger was the fist, my soul the hand. After this once-in-a-lifetime message, I spent the next year in my meditation practice trying desperately to have another experience like that. Spoiler alert: nothing happened for me–I was trying way too hard.

The next story that comes up for me is my recent experience trying QHHT, or Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique. As someone still struggling to release expectations enough to have another spiritual experience, I thought using hypnosis would definitely be the way to do it. Additionally, having read a lot of Dolores Cannon’s work and being a believer, I was fascinated by the potential. However, what I experienced in my session, I couldn’t be sure was something that had actually taken place in the distant past, or if I just fabricated the experience in my mind. Again, I felt the effects of trying too hard. Because of this, integrating any lessons or wisdom from the session has been difficult, as I can’t be sure if I’m trying to integrate fact or fiction. This brings me to my final point.

Reason Number Four: The Importance of Authenticity and Integration in the Therapeutic Process

The final reason I’m choosing not to advertise Past Life Regression sessions is the importance of authenticity and integration in the therapeutic process. While past life experiences can be intriguing, they may not always be relevant or beneficial to a client's current life circumstances. As a client-led hypnotherapist, my focus is on addressing the client's current needs and challenges, rather than delving into past life memories that may or may not be useful. It is more likely than not that the root of current problems did occur in this lifetime and by traveling back in the past, we may be bypassing the critical piece of healing in the here and now. By staying focused on the present moment and the client's goals for therapy, we can ensure that the healing process is grounded in reality and leads to tangible results.

So there you have it. Past Life Regression Therapy may hold allure for some, and I admit I am still wildly interested in the topic. However, I have chosen to prioritize a client-led approach in my hypnotherapy practice. By trusting in the wisdom of the subconscious mind, honoring its natural rules, and avoiding the pitfalls of desperation, I empower my clients to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing that is authentic, transformative, and deeply rewarding. If that journey happens to take us to the distant past, so be it, we will be prepared for that journey. Additionally, the client won’t have to wonder whether it was authentic or a fabrication, which will allow for a deeply meaningful experience. At Katie Schopp Yoga and Wellness, my mission is to guide you towards a profound connection with your inner wisdom and help you unlock the limitless potential within.