Regression has two meanings in psychology. Firstly, it is a defense mechanism in which a person returns to an earlier developmental period. It occurs in emotionally difficult, stressful and anxious situations. Regressing is also a therapeutic method that involves returning to the past, most often childhood. This allows you to better understand the cause of the current problems.
Regressing as a defense mechanism
Person in a state of regression:
- exhibits infantile behavior, such as wearing children’s clothes,
- shows emotional reactions typical of children, e.g. crying, screaming and capriciousness,
- feels an increased need for care from the environment and expects support even in simple, everyday matters,
- returns to childhood habits, e.g. sucks his thumb,
- He runs away from problems and responsibilities, m.in. by simulating a disease.
It is a defense mechanism, i.e. an unconscious process. If it persists for a long time or makes life difficult, it requires therapeutic support.
Therapeutic regression
Regression as a therapeutic method means working with the subconscious. We distinguish between hypnotic and non-hypnotic regression. In the first one, the patient is in a state of hypnosis – a trance in which attention is strongly focused and external stimuli lose their meaning. This makes it easier to reach the memories and emotions hidden in the subconscious.
Non-hypnotic regression does not require putting a person in a state of hypnosis. Instead, the patient achieves deep relaxation, e.g. through appropriate breathing techniques. He is not in a trance, so he remains fully conscious, and at the same time has the right conditions to work with memories.