Past Life Regression

Past Life Regression Therapy: A Complete Guide to Healing Through Past Lives

Last edited: Sep 2025

What is Past Life Regression Therapy?

Past life regression therapy is a powerful therapeutic technique that uses guided hypnosis to help you access memories and experiences from what are believed to be your previous lifetimes. During these sessions, a trained therapist guides you into a deeply relaxed, hypnotic state where your conscious mind steps aside, allowing deeper memories to surface.

This fascinating healing modality operates on the principle that our souls carry experiences across multiple lifetimes, and that unresolved issues, patterns and traumas from past lives can continue to influence our current existence. Through past life regression, you can explore these deeper layers of your psyche to understand why certain fears, relationships or patterns keep appearing in your life.

Unlike traditional therapy that focuses on your current lifetime, past life regression therapy takes a broader spiritual perspective, examining how your soul's journey across multiple incarnations might be affecting your present circumstances. Whether you're dealing with unexplained phobias, relationship patterns, chronic health issues or simply seeking a deeper understanding of your life's purpose, this therapy offers a unique window into your soul's history.

The Origins and History of Past Life Regression

Past life regression has roots in ancient spiritual traditions across many cultures. Hindu and Buddhist philosophies have long embraced the concept of reincarnation and karma, believing that souls experience multiple lifetimes to learn and evolve spiritually.

In the Western world, past life regression gained prominence in the 20th century through the work of pioneers like Edgar Cayce, often called the "sleeping prophet," who conducted thousands of readings that included past life information. Later, psychiatrists like Dr. Ian Stevenson at the University of Virginia conducted extensive research into cases of apparent past life memories, particularly in children.

The therapeutic application of past life regression was further developed by practitioners like Dr. Michael Newton, Dr. Brian Weiss and Dolores Cannon, who documented thousands of cases and developed structured approaches to accessing and healing through past life memories. Their work helped establish past life regression as a recognised therapeutic modality that bridges psychology and spirituality.

How Does Past Life Regression Therapy Work?

Past life regression therapy begins with your therapist guiding you into a deeply relaxed, hypnotic state. This isn't the dramatic hypnosis you might see in entertainment, but rather a peaceful, meditative state where you remain fully aware and in control while accessing deeper levels of consciousness.

In this relaxed state, your therapist uses specific techniques and guided imagery to help you move beyond your current life memories. You might be asked to imagine walking through a doorway, going down stairs, or moving through a tunnel of light. These are metaphorical bridges that help your mind access what practitioners believe are memories from previous lifetimes.

During the session, you may experience vivid images, emotions, physical sensations or simply a knowing about a particular time period or identity. Your therapist will gently guide you through these experiences, helping you explore significant moments, relationships and events that may be relevant to your current life challenges.

The process typically involves exploring the past life experience, understanding how it connects to your present circumstances, and then working through any unresolved issues or traumas. This might include forgiveness work, understanding karmic patterns, or simply gaining insight into why certain situations keep recurring in your life.

Benefits of Past Life Regression Therapy

One of the most profound benefits of past life regression therapy is gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and your life purpose. Many clients discover why they're drawn to certain places, time periods, or types of people, finding that these attractions have roots in past life experiences.

The therapy can be particularly effective for healing past traumas and emotional issues that seem to have no clear origin in your current lifetime. Unexplained phobias, recurring nightmares, or relationship patterns that defy logic sometimes make perfect sense when viewed through the lens of past life experiences.

Past life regression also provides valuable perspective on current challenges. When you understand that your soul has navigated difficult situations before, it can give you strength and wisdom to handle present difficulties. Many clients report feeling a profound sense of spiritual connection and personal growth following their sessions.

While traditional therapy focuses on addressing present-day issues through current life experiences, past life regression therapy explores healing opportunities that may stem from previous incarnations. This approach helps you understand the root causes of challenges that might seem inexplicable otherwise, facilitating healing on spiritual, emotional and sometimes even physical levels.

Some clients find that chronic physical ailments improve after addressing related past life traumas, though it's important to note that past life regression should complement, not replace, proper medical care for physical conditions.

What to Expect During a Past Life Regression Session

During a past life regression session, you'll likely experience vivid memories, emotions and physical sensations that feel as real as your current life memories. These might include seeing yourself in different clothing, in unfamiliar landscapes, or interacting with people you don't recognise but somehow know.

The emotional component can be particularly intense. You might feel overwhelming love for someone, deep grief over a loss, or fear related to a traumatic event. These emotions often carry important healing information for your current life.

Some clients also have profound spiritual or mystical experiences during their sessions. You might feel connected to a higher power, experience a sense of oneness with the universe, or receive guidance from spiritual teachers or guides. These experiences often provide comfort and wisdom that extends well beyond the therapy session.

It's worth noting that not everyone experiences past life regression in the same way. Some people see clear, movie-like scenes, while others receive impressions, feelings or simply a knowing about past events. All of these experiences can be equally valid and healing.

Common Issues Past Life Regression Can Address

Past life regression therapy can be particularly helpful for addressing unexplained fears and phobias that seem to have no basis in your current life experiences. Many people discover that their fear of water, heights, confined spaces or certain animals stems from traumatic deaths or experiences in previous lifetimes.

Recurring relationship patterns often have past life connections. If you keep attracting similar types of partners or find yourself in the same relationship dynamics repeatedly, exploring past life connections with these souls can provide insight and healing.

The therapy is also valuable for addressing feelings of being different or not belonging, chronic guilt or shame without clear cause, and persistent physical ailments that don't respond well to conventional treatment. Some people seek past life regression to understand their life purpose or to explore spiritual questions about their soul's journey.

Preparing for Your Past Life Regression Session

Before your session, take time to clarify your intentions and what you hope to achieve. While you can't control what emerges during regression, having clear questions or areas of focus can help guide the experience meaningfully.

Approach the session with an open mind and heart. Try to release any expectations about what you should or shouldn't experience. Some people worry they won't be able to access past lives or that they're making things up, but your therapist will help you navigate these concerns.

Wear comfortable clothing and avoid caffeine or heavy meals before your session. You'll want to be relaxed but alert. Most sessions last between 90 minutes to 3 hours, so plan accordingly and avoid scheduling anything stressful immediately afterwards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone undergo past life regression therapy?

While past life regression therapy is generally safe for most people, it's not suitable for everyone. People with certain mental health conditions, particularly dissociative disorders, schizophrenia, or severe depression, may not be good candidates for this type of therapy. It's crucial to consult with a qualified therapist who can assess whether past life regression is appropriate for your individual circumstances and current mental health status.

Are there any potential risks or side effects?

Past life regression therapy is generally safe when conducted by a qualified practitioner, but some people may experience emotional distress or discomfort during or after a session. You might feel temporarily unsettled as you process intense memories or emotions from past lives. This is why it's vital to work with an experienced therapist who can help guide you through any challenging experiences that arise and provide proper integration support.

How many past life regression sessions are typically required?

The number of past life regression sessions needed varies greatly depending on your individual goals and needs. Some people find that a single session provides enough insight and healing to create significant positive changes in their lives. Others benefit from multiple sessions to explore different past lives or work through complex karmic patterns. Unlike regular weekly therapy, past life regression doesn't require frequent sessions. Some people return every few months, while others wait a year or more between sessions, allowing time to fully integrate their experiences and see how the healing unfolds in their daily life.

What are some common experiences during past life regression sessions?

During past life regression sessions, you might experience vivid visual memories of being in different time periods, wearing unfamiliar clothing, or living in landscapes that feel both foreign and familiar. Emotional experiences can be intense, ranging from profound love and joy to grief, fear, or anger related to past events. Physical sensations are also common, such as feeling the weight of period clothing, experiencing weather conditions, or even sensing physical trauma from past deaths. Some clients have spiritual experiences, feeling connected to guides, deceased loved ones, or experiencing profound insights about their soul's purpose.

How can past life regression help with personal growth?

Past life regression facilitates deep self-awareness by helping you understand recurring patterns, relationships, and challenges from a soul-level perspective. By exploring past lives, you gain insight into why certain situations keep appearing in your life and can work towards healing these patterns at their source. The therapy often reveals your soul's purpose and gifts, helping you understand what you're here to learn and contribute. It's particularly powerful for healing trauma, as you can address unresolved experiences that occurred in previous lifetimes, releasing emotional blocks that have been limiting your growth and happiness in this life.

How much do past life regression sessions cost?

Past life regression therapy sessions typically cost between $120-$250 in Australia, depending on the practitioner's experience, location, and session length. Many sessions run longer than standard therapy appointments (2-3 hours), which accounts for the higher cost. Some practitioners offer package deals for multiple sessions. While past life regression isn't usually covered by Medicare, you may be able to claim rebates through private health insurance if your practitioner has relevant qualifications in counselling or psychotherapy.

How do I find a qualified past life regression practitioner?

When looking for a past life regression therapist, it's essential to find someone who's properly trained and qualified in this specific therapeutic approach. Look for practitioners who've received certification from reputable organisations such as the International Association for Regression Research and Therapies, or who have extensive training with recognised pioneers in the field. Always read reviews and testimonials, and ask for referrals from trusted sources. If you're seeking a past life regression practitioner in Australia, Bodhi Holistic Hub offers carefully vetted and verified practitioners, giving you confidence that you'll be working with qualified professionals who meet high standards of practice and ethics.

Should I believe everything I experience during past life regression?

Approach your past life regression experiences with an open but discerning mind. Whether the memories you access are literal past lives, symbolic representations of your psyche, or creative expressions of your subconscious mind, the healing and insights gained can still be profound and valuable. Focus on how the experience helps you understand yourself and create positive changes in your current life, rather than getting caught up in trying to verify historical accuracy.

References and Further Reading

Professional Organisations

• International Association for Regression Research and Therapies (IARRT)
• Australian Hypnotherapists' Association (AHA)
• Professional Hypnotherapists of Australia (PHA)
• Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
• International Association of Counsellors and Therapists (IACT)

Research and Scientific Foundation

• University of Virginia Division of Perceptual Studies
• Australian Psychological Society - Hypnosis Interest Group
• Journal of Consciousness Studies
• European Journal of Clinical Hypnosis

Educational Resources

• "Many Lives, Many Masters" by Dr. Brian Weiss
• "Journey of Souls" by Dr. Michael Newton
• "Between Death and Life" by Dolores Cannon
• "Old Souls" by Tom Shroder
• "Children's Past Lives" by Carol Bowman
• Academy of Hypnotic Science educational resources

Related Modalities

• Hypnotherapy
• Spiritual Counselling and Life Coaching
• Energy Healing
• Meditation and Mindfulness Practices
• Shamanic Healing
• Akashic Records Reading
   

This guide was written by the Bodhi Holistic Hub team according to their editorial policy.