10/12/2025
Past Life Regression has become a growing curiosity for many people today, especially those dealing with ongoing anxiety, inner restlessness, relationship conflicts or emotional stress. Social media is full of ads like “See your past life” or “Discover who you were before,” and these can be very tempting. But from a clinical psychology standpoint, there are some important facts you should know before spending money on this therapy.
Past Life Regression is a hypnosis based guided imagery technique. During the session the therapist leads you into deep relaxation, and in that state the mind begins to create images, characters, scenes and stories on its own. People often think they are “seeing a previous birth,” but in reality these experiences come from hypnotic suggestibility, confabulation or cryptomnesia. In other words, they are mental constructs, forgotten fragments of memory, pieces of films, imagination or symbolic representations your mind creates.
There is no scientific evidence that a person’s memories can move from one life to another. Neuroscience clearly shows that memory circuits depend on the physical structure of the brain, and once life ends, these circuits stop functioning.
Why PLR is not harmless
During hypnosis the brain can create false memories. Sometimes these memories feel so real that a person becomes confused about their identity or present-day problems. For individuals with PTSD, anxiety disorders, dissociation or unresolved trauma, PLR can be risky because symbolic imagery may intensify fear or emotional instability.
PLR can also create an escape route from real-life issues. Instead of addressing present problems, people may shift responsibility to an imagined past life. This reduces personal accountability, problem-solving ability and emotional resilience.
Another major concern is commercial misuse, where PLR is marketed as a magical solution, taking advantage of people’s emotional vulnerability.
Then why do people feel good after PLR?
Because the session includes deep relaxation, guided imagery and emotional ventilation. These elements exist in evidence-based psychotherapy as well. So feeling calm after a session is normal, but that calmness is not because you “saw a past life.” It is simply the effect of relaxation.
Real psychological improvement comes when the actual problem is treated with evidence-based therapy, not imaginary narratives.
For anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, unexplained fear or inner conflict, therapies like CBT, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based methods, EMDR and evidence-based hypnotherapy are far safer and more effective. These approaches work on your real experiences, not on hypothetical past lives.
So, even though PLR sounds fascinating, it is not scientifically valid. It works through imagination, not memory. Your mental health is precious. Trusting unproven and commercialized methods is never a wise choice. Before choosing PLR, ask yourself:
Do I want to pay for an imaginative experience, or do I want real, evidence-based therapy that can help me heal where I truly need it?
What I do as a psychologist
Many people ask whether I offer Past Life Regression.
There is no scientific evidence for PLR, which is why it is not an approved psychological therapy. Psychology recognizes only evidence-based methods. My work focuses on your current thoughts, emotions and behaviours, so that the present you can move toward genuine well-being.
✍️ Psychologist Rachayita
References:
1. Pyun, Y. D. (2009). Experimental production of past-life memories in hypnosis. PubMed.
2. Pyun, Y. D. (2015). Creating past-life identity in hypnotic regression.
3. Andrade, G. (2017). Is past life regression therapy ethical? PMC.
4. Moraes, L. J., et al. (2022). Academic studies on claimed past-life memories: a methodological review.
5. Otgaar, H., et al. (2022). What science tells us about false and repressed memories.
