We unconsciously carry forward experiences, attitudes, and relationship dynamics from prior lives into our current lifetimes. Many times this is beneficial, as in cases where we just have a "knack" for numbers, or seem to master a new skill or area of study as if we already knew it. Other times, traumatic experiences (like a violent death or loss of a loved one) are left unresolved, relationships are left unhealed, or attitudes and decisions may be carried forward from a past lifetime that are detrimental to our current life. That is where regression therapy has traditionally been used, in resolving these experiences from the past that are blocking our progress and happiness now. (In more recent times, it is also being applied to carry forward strengths and positive experiences.)

Trauma and issues from the past can be reactivated by events in our current lifetime without our conscious awareness. We might react to people and situations in ways that seem counter-productive, or we have a "gridlock" problem that we can’t seem to resolve no matter what we try. It may be because the problem is actually rooted in dynamics set up in prior personalities/lifetimes.

In past life therapy we regress clients (to regress means to go or move backward) to the time and place where the original activating event occurred. This can be achieved through hypnosis, guided imagery, or other states of deep relaxation where memories that are normally unconscious can be accessed. Similar techniques can be used to access early childhood memories from the current lifetime that may be underlying present-day problems and issues. By bringing these memories into conscious awareness, we can release or diffuse the energy and emotional blockages that keep us stuck. Typically, the therapist guides the client through the significant events of the lifetime, through the death experience, and then a "life review." This is where the purpose of that lifetime, the lessons learned, and decisions made are examined from a higher, spiritual perspective. We particularly look at what is most important about that prior life in terms of the client’s current personality and situation.

Re-experiencing the key events of a past life and reprocessing the impact helps to bring closure to the events of that lifetime. This enables us to move forward more freely in the present. The process is similar to conventional therapy: we trace issues to their origin, reprocess the experience, emotions, and decisions made, and find completion. Past life regression work merely extends the time frame further into the past for the deeper origins of issues. Even if one believes these "memories" are not true past life experiences, they function as symbolic stories and are equally as effective in resolving current issues.

Once considered a "new age" gimmick, regression therapy is becoming accepted in the mainstream as an extremely useful therapeutic tool. It can be a rapid way to bring up material in a single or just a few sessions, which might otherwise take many months of traditional counseling to address. And it can be useful, as well, for those who would not otherwise consider themselves in need of counseling or therapy service -- people who want to expand their experience, draw upon inner wisdom, and connect with loved ones across the ages.

When Past Life Therapy Can Help

Of course, not all problems and issues are rooted in experiences from prior lifetimes. It is important to distinguish when we have a current life issue that needs to be addressed through other means. Some of the more significant areas in which past life therapy has traditionally been used are:

• Troubling behavior and attitude patterns that have persisted over time, despite attempts to change
• Relationship dynamics that seem to have a life of their own (intense attraction/aversion to another person, deep-seated issues that defy resolution)
• Phobias – intense fears, such as fear of heights or fear of water, that seem unconnected to an experience in the current life
• Some chronic physical ailments, sensations and pains
• Dominant attitudes or emotions that seem to persist throughout your life

There are some newer areas in which past life therapy is being applied as well, that are quite exciting and rewarding. Rather than going after traumatic or troubling memories, they focus on positive experiences. These areas include:

• Accessing strengths and accomplishments from prior lifetimes that can be brought forward to increase confidence and effectiveness in the present
• Re-experiencing a happy, successful lifetime; this can bring a sense of balance and peace when undergoing difficult times, fortifying us to work through our temporary difficulties
• Clarifying direction and life purpose by viewing one’s blueprint for this lifetime
• Finding prior lifetimes shared with current loved ones, bringing a great sense of reassurance that we are indeed never parted from those we love
• Accessing the wisdom, peace and guidance that is available from the "interlife," (spiritual realms between lifetimes) where our higher mind and/or guiding ones can assess our progress and give direction to us for our current lifetime

• Strengthening the clarity of the spiritual nature of our existence.

 What if I don’t experience anything?

Most people wonder if a regression will really work for them. It is only on rare occasions that clients do not bring up past life material. Instead, a memory from early childhood that seems pertinent to the issue of concern comes up, or we find that current life situations or anxieties intervene and need to be worked on first. What works best is to approach the experience with an open mind, not expecting anything in particular. (For example, if you approach a regression just knowing you’re going to discover a lifetime when you were a fighter pilot, this might get in the way of what really comes up.)

Many people expect that they’re going to see their past life vividly, in great detail. This isn’t always the case, especially when experiencing your first regression. Although some clients find they "see" things in their mind’s eye quite clearly, others may find the impressions somewhat vague, only portions coming in clearly. Information comes through in a number of ways -- physical sensations (like feeling hot or cold), hearing what people are saying around you, just knowing something intuitively all of a sudden. The best approach is to focus on the images and feelings you experience, don’t worry about whether it makes sense or is "real" or not, and trust whatever comes up at the time.

Typically, people who have a regular meditation or relaxation practice move most quickly into a past life regression experience. This shows that this is a skill that can be learned. The more you practice, the more detailed your experiences will be and the more easily memories will be recovered. However, there are also people who have never done any relaxation practice that recover detailed information quickly and easily. The only way to know how it works for you is to give it a try. It is helpful if you have a specific question or issue you would like to explore, but it can also be left open to your inner guidance to bring up a memory that has pertinence for your current life