The Art of Hypnotic Regression Therapy: A Clinical Guide

by C. Roy Hunter, Bruce N. Eimer

Hypnotic Regression Therapy, or HRT, is a type of hypnotherapy in which, following the induction of a good trance state, specialized suggestions are given to guide the client in reviewing and emotionally reframing earlier experiences that have either caused or contributed to the client's current symptoms. HRT is considered one of the most valuable hypnotherapy techniques available today, yet it remains controversial, partly due to inadequate training of psychotherapists and hypnotherapists which has contributed to numerous cases of false memory syndrome. In spite of the controversies, hypnotherapists successfully use regression therapy to discover the core causes of a number of problems and help clients release their emotional attachments to those causes. Such successful release empowers clients to overcome certain problems rather than simply coping with them. For example, people with a former fear of flying can now fly comfortably. This volume removes the fear of the dangers of mishandled hypnotic regression by presenting an organized , client-centered approach. You will learn when and how to use HRT effectively to help clients discover and release the causes of their problems and symptoms. The authors emphasize the importance of avoiding inappropriate leading, and also how to explain the risk of false memories to clients. Five phases of HRT are preparation abreactions and release, regression techniques to discover the cause(s) subconscious relearning and concluding the session. There is also a chapter discussing the controversial topic of past life regressions, with potential explanations and ethical considerations. The authors also include case histories to illustrate the value of their client-centered approach to HRT. Additional background information is included that forms a foundation for client-centered hypnotherapy, with specific objectives to accomplish that increase and the likelihood of lasting results. The book also discusses how HRT fits in with other appropriate forms of psychological therapy and why regression is a valuable tool for helping clients realize lasting results in overcoming psychological and psychosomatic symptoms after other techniques have failed.

288 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2012

Reviews

[Ard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine introduction into the field of regression hypnotherapy. It's the continuation of Hunter's The Art of Hypnosis and it's just as practical and hands-on. If you want to dig a little deeper into regression therapy and how to use it in a hypnotherapeutical setting, this title is a good place to start.

Roy Hunter's methods lean more on the work of Dave Elman than Milton Erickson, to give you an idea of where the author is coming from. I recently took the hypnotherapy course of Omni, which is teaching the work of Gerald Kein and Dave Elman amongst others, and although this book wasn't mentioned there, to me it proved an excellent companion textbook.

Of course there are many other titles that are more in-depth, theoretical and extensive, but I found this rather slim book valuable as well.