Understand what regression is, an important tool for therapy. How does our mind work in relation to the mechanism of regression?

Origin and meaning of the term

• Source : The word Regression originates from the Latin: regressĭo, ōnis "return, return."
• Meaning : The act or effect of returning; return, return. Movement toward the point of origin. Return to an earlier stage of evolution in an individual's development in situations of stress or conflict.
• Concept Regression is a tool used by therapists for the purpose of accessing specific episodes of subconscious and unconscious memory that caused the traumatization and psychic pathologies.

The History of Regression

The first to make public the therapeutic use of regression were psychiatrist Denys Kelsey and his wife Joan Grant.

Their work was initially met with great skepticism, but gradually, both in England and in the United States, hypnotists and psychotherapists emerged, such as Drs. Joe Keeton and Morris Netherton,

Edith Fiore, among others. They published their accounts of the therapeutic tool and their solid belief that it is the most complete and efficient therapy they know.

What is regression? Are memories true?

Differentiating whether the relived stories are true, literalistic views, or just fantasies is part of the process that the therapist must consider and analyze, going into detail with correct and specific questions in order to filter the reality to be treated from the fantasies that must be unmasked.

The patient's interpretation is another extremely important factor that the therapist must be aware of, because the experience in a child's view is different from as an adult.

In this case, the maturing and experiences lived over the years will make the correct and coherent channeling of possible traumas, shaping the events with new versions and easing the pain.

How does the brain store memories?

The memories The brain accesses memories all the time. When something is learned, the information is stored. Imaginations, dreams, or even the history experienced by others are also stored and supposedly "forgotten". The brain resorts to imagination to fill in the gaps and holes.

In order to relive a memory, therefore, the brain will have to follow a predetermined path, reconnecting the network of real information, which can lead to insights and flashbacks. A person who coexists with memories created and modified from the real event can bring about harmful and disastrous consequences.

Who should do it?

It is recommended for the treatment of people who have phobias, fears, anxiety, stress, irrational fears, addictions, psychosomatic problems, eating disorders, family problems, sexual disorders, marriage and relationship problems in general.

It is a valuable resource for earlier developmental treatment, where there is difficulty in dealing with unacceptable impulses, reaching the "extra-cerebral memory" core.

Regression in Therapy

Regression is able to release the retained psychic material through what Sigmund Freud called "catharsis," where psychic energy is released causing significant relief in your symptoms.

This psychic relief would be the cause of the physical and psychological healings recorded by regression therapists.

It is necessary to understand the importance of looking for the right professional, because he or she must analyze, extract, treat, rework, investigate the real from the abstract, observe new conclusions, resignify revival for the patient to reach the beneficial conclusion and accurate vision, ending with the cure of the pathology or problem that currently afflicts him.

The technique and other related techniques

This process can be accomplished with the technique of hypnosis, conscious breathing techniques, meditation, induction, or spontaneously by directly reaching the cause.

After all, is it better to use REGRESSION OR HYPNOSIS? Both are techniques and tools that can be used by the therapist with the purpose of deeply accessing and unveiling contents from the conscious or unconscious memory. Hypnosis can be used to perform regression in a deeper way. The one most used by therapists is Ericksonian Hypnosis .

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Does regression have to do with religion?

Memory regression is often confused with religion, often approached in a mystical, skeptical and insecure way. The fact is that we experience regression every day, at various times. Remembering and reliving something is natural As the above definition of the word says: regression is to go back.

A regression in psychoanalysis It is a tool that can be used by the therapist in any way he/she sees fit. The difference lies in the search for remembrance as a form of treatment, and for this, the work and study of the professional intervening in the quality of life of the human being.

This content about regression was written by Karen Zampol (instagram @karenrgzampol) expert in relationships and self-knowledge.