What is Regression Therapy? In a nutshell, it is a modality that aims to follow the client's subconscious back to the root cause of the issue and transform it on a deep subconscious level. This sounds easy and logical, doesn't it? Well, not really, because trying to do that from the level of conscious, rational thinking is a very difficult and lengthy task, as we all have all kinds of defences and the rational mind itself constitutes a major roadblock. So why is achieving a shift so much simpler within Regression Therapy? To the extent of resolving a particular issue within 3-5 sessions?? A Regression Therapy session is conducted in an altered state of mind - a state of deep relaxation similar to that achieved in Meditation. Sometimes the term "hypnotic trance" is used, however, it tends to stir some fear and resistance, as most people associate it with stage hypnosis. In reality, therapeutic hypnosis is a gentle and natural state of heightened awareness and total focus on one thing - one's inner experience. This in turn allows us easier access to our memories as well as emotions and inner wisdom. The state of trance might be achieved through hypnotic induction (guided Meditation), but also quite simply by focusing on a particular emotion or somatic symptom. With your eyes closed and guided by a skilled facilitator, your mind works differently! It can be a bit of a challenge to differentiate Regression Therapy from other methods whose names are confusingly similar, e.g. past life therapy or spiritual regression. The Earth Association was created in 2006 to ensure uniform international standards for Regression Therapy. Its headquarters are located in the Netherlands, and among its founders are many accomplished psychotherapists: Hans TenDam, Roger Woolger, Morris Netherton, Tricia Caetano, and Marion Boon. What do the international standards for Regression Therapy entail? Regression Therapy is based on the premise of following the client's subconscious, as it is the client themselves who knows the answers and has the insights they need to uncover to resolve their issue. The therapist does not diagnose, push, or lead, and no labels or definitions are required. As a result of this rule, in order not to suggest anything to the client during a session (especially the first, exploratory part) the therapist asks only non-leading questions e.g.: "Are you inside or outside?" "Are you alone or are there any other people with you?" etc. and allows the client to come up with the answer. In a session, you might find that your mind takes you to the events you have had a conscious memory of, but this time, with you being deeply immersed in the experience, it's going to be easier to access and release the emotional charge. However, it might also be the case, that you might be totally surprised with what comes up - be it abstract and symbolic or, indeed, very real but seemingly unlinked to the issue you are working on... That's where another Earth standard comes into play, according to which a therapist has a whole set of techniques to choose from to facilitate uncovering the root cause of the client's issue in the most effective way. There is Current Life Regression with a structured Inner Child Work process aimed at unveiling the "initial sensitizing event" - the very first time you felt a particular emotion in your childhood. There is Past Life Regression - and it is entirely up to you whether you choose to perceive it as a fascinating journey into your past incarnations or just a deep-dive into symbolic stories created by your subconscious. Last but not least, there is Body Therapy - a potent tool for releasing trapped energy from the body (as that's where physical trauma resides, and no amount of talking about it is going to cause a shift as quick and powerful as actual pushing and kicking!). Within Regression Therapy, getting to the bottom of the issue is usually quick and effective. However, in accordance with the international standards we don't only uncover the root cause but also transform it on a deep, subconscious level. All the difficult, uncomfortable aspects that surfaced in the first part of the session need to be addressed, all the loops closed, and true forgiveness and understanding reached. In order to do that a skilled practitioner has many tools at hand, utilises the client's active imagination and guides them towards their deep, inner knowing. Regression Therapy has a very special, transpersonal, spiritual flavour. Not only does it allow the client to resolve their issue effectively but also creates an opportunity to meet oneself at a deeper level, for many for the first time. Perhaps that's where the future of Psychotherapy lies?