Listen To The Children: Working with Children’s Past-Life Memories – Carol Bowman (Is.11)
by Carol Bowman This article invites therapists and researchers to explore children’s past-life memories. Cases and observations based on the author’s six years of research support findings that some children make excellent regression subjects, easily remembering past-life stories and quickly integrating these past-life experiences in ways that change their lives. Five cases illustrate the following: 1) how children access these memories; 2) processing techniques that both therapists and parents can use with children; and 3) benefits children derive from remembering these former lifetimes. My findings from six years of working with children’s past-life memories show that children can be willing and able subjects for past-life regression and therapy. They remember their past lives easily, and rapidly process and integrate these memories. Children can derive the same benefits as adults do from working with past-life memories: elimination of phobias and recurrent nightmares, cure of physical symptoms, resolution of emotional problems, and
Past-Life Regression in Brazil – Daniel W. Miller (Is.11)
by Daniel W. Miller, Ph.D. Cultural differences may manifest themselves in many ways. Of interest and importance to practitioners of PLT is the awareness of the cultural framework and reference points accepted and understood by the client. Dr. Miller has visited Brazil on many occasions and has used these opportunities to observe and explore some of these culture-specific assumptions as apply to the practice of PLT. I’d gone to Brazil almost annually since 1981 to participate in Metaphysical Conferences in Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro, conducting past-life therapy and training sessions afterwards. In 1991 I went to Sao Paolo for the Fourth Annual Metaphysical Conference to lecture, and conduct workshops and individual sessions again. From my work with the Brazilians, it became clear to me that, although many of them suffer from the same fears and blocks to accessing the paranormal dimension that North Americans do, many more have
Regressed Past Lives and Survival After Physical Death: Unique Experiences? – Robert T. James (Is.11)
by Robert T. James, J.D. After completing a written survey inquiring into demographics and religious beliefs, 104 adult subjects were separately hypnotized in an attempt to regress them to past lives. Eighty-one subjects did regress to what seemed to be past lives. The results were subjected to a Multi-variate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and to other statistical analyses. In this article Dr. James presents a summary of some of his findings. Introduction Whether or not we survive physical death and are reborn again would seem to be two of the most important questions we can ask ourselves. Indeed, the reports from every known society indicate that our ancestors seemed to concern themselves with such questions as far back as there is recorded history and probably beyond. However, in researching the literature on this subject, I was surprised at the lack of attempts to acquire empirical, replicable data on these subjects
Separation Individuation Throughout The Ages – Daniel Hutt (Is.11)
by Daniel Hutt, C.S.W. Separation individuation is a cornerstone for good emotional health. Many psychological struggles experienced by people are directly related to this. The purpose of the article is to illustrate its scope and dimension. The interplay between past life and current circumstances will be explored theoretically and in a case study. I am a traditionally trained psychotherapist who now utilizes past-life regression as part of my practice. It has occurred to me that many of the past-life connections clients experience in the regressed state are related to separation issues. Indeed, much of the work I do with regressive therapy appears to mirror the analytic concept of separation individuation. The personality theorists define separation individuation as a developmental task a child goes through enabling him/her to part from the mother without fear of loss, abandonment, or annihilation. According to Margaret Mahler (1968), during the first month of life the
A. R. Martin: Pioneer In Past-Life Regression – George Schwimmer (Is.11)
by George Schwimmer, Ph.D. Although past-life regression is considered by many to be a fairly recent technique, A. R. Martin, late author of Researches In Reincarnation And Beyond, began conducting past-life regressions sixty-five years ago, the first person known to do so in the United States. His ground-breaking research, book, and conclusions are important in understanding that the core of life is spiritual, that we come to Earth repeatedly to learn needed lessons, and that the purpose of past-life recall is to help us to grow spiritually. It is hoped that this will be the first of a series of articles about the early “pioneers” in our field. Most people today probably date the advent of past-life regression in the United States to the mid-1970’s, although many will recall Morey Bernstein’s The Search For Bridey Murphy, published in 1956. However, very few people know about the work of A. R.
A Brief Report Of The Parks Research and Education Project: A project designed to investigate the power of the mind to heal – Hazel M. Denning (Is.11)
by Hazel M. Denning, Ph.D. In 1978, a substantial grant was given to the Parapsychology Association of Riverside, Inc. to conduct a longitudinal investigation into the power of the mind to heal physical pathologies using hypnosis and regression as the primary interventions for healing. While hypnosis was to be used in all cases, the precise nature of the therapeutic intervention was left to each of the researchers involved in the project. The following report gives the reader an overview and summarizes the project. The full project report, including data tables, photographs, and case studies, as well as a bibliography and other materials, has been published as APRT Monograph No. 1, 1993. Abstract The Parks Research and Education Project was announced in 1978 in the Newsletter of the Parapsychology Association of Riverside, Inc. (PAR) and, at completion, 916 participants were tabulated in the final analysis. Twelve researchers were selected who had
Thoughts On Time: The Connection Between Multidimensionality and Reincarnation – Bettye B. Binder (Is.11)
by Bettye B. Binder, M.A. When we asked Bettye Binder, as APRT’s new President, to share with our readers a few comments and thoughts which she felt might be of some importance to our readers, the topic was left entirely to her choice. Once more, the concept of synchronicity seems to have asserted itself. Without any prior knowledge of the contents of this issue, she elected to direct her comments to the concept of time, something which two other articles appearing in this issue have also (independently) addressed. Our past lives can facilitate or block the way we live our present lives because time is “multidimensional.” The past influences the present whether or not we are aware of its influence upon us. Another way to say this is we are living all our lives NOW. This concept is called “simultaneous time.” What we usually think of as “here and now”
The Mystic and the Doctor – Henry Leo Bolduc (Is.10)
by Henry Leo Bolduc To practitioners of PLT, the names of Dr. Milton Erickson and Edgar Cayce are well-known. Though different in many ways, each, in his own way, has made rich and significant contributions to our field. The impact of their work continues, still teaching, still guiding, still inspiring. In this article, Henry Leo Bolduc examines these two men. After decades (even centuries) of disdain for, mistrust of, and even downright antagonism toward hypnotherapy and holistic healing (so-called nontraditional medicine), the medical profession is slowly realizing that such alternative techniques to traditional medicine can, in many cases, equal or even surpass the effectiveness of modern medicine. This realization has been brought about by increasing public awareness of the success of these alternative methods, a success that can no longer be ignored. Although these nontraditional methods have been totally accepted for centuries in Eastern medicine, they have been for the
“What’s Bad About It?” The Case History of a Pedophile – Louise Ireland-Frey (Is.10)
by Louise Ireland-Frey, M.D. In her research with a pedophile, Dr. Louise Ireland-Frey was able to trace this history of pedophilia through seven life times. She details the background and therapeutic approaches employed in working with this patient over a period of several years. She discusses the methods of treatment, the employment of PLT techniques, and raises questions worthy of much further thought, discussion, and investigation. Introduction The term “pedophile” is a misnomer, for child-molesters do not love children; they only lust after the sights, touches, and activities involving certain parts of a young child’s body and receive intense pleasure from these. The rush of feeling appears to be neurologic like that of a purely physical orgasm or like the rush from an injection of heroin, with no true emotional component except as secondary to the physical and physiological ecstasy. These, however, are intense enough to cause the pedophile to
Report of a Study: Diagnosis and Treatment of the Spirit Possession Syndrome – William J. Baldwin (Is.10)
by William J. Baldwin, D.D.S., Ph.D. Dr. Baldwin is no stranger to our readers. The concept of spirit possession is controversial. The term itself can evoke rapid reaction. It is a subject of intense and continuing investigation and exploration by many, including Dr. Baldwin, who shares with us the results of his research. The information contained in this article formed the foundation of his doctoral dissertation in clinical psychology and was submitted in the spirit [No pun intended! Ed.] of sharing both his theories and his research with us, and inviting further comment and investigation. Introduction The ancient concept of spirit possession may be quite valid, though largely ignored in modern, scientifically oriented, materialistic society. Clinicians in various countries claim to have found the condition to be widely prevalent among people at the present time. Methods of spirit releasement can bring profound and often unexpected results, mental and physical, ranging
Regression Therapy as a Valid Approach in Treating Obesity: A Case Study – Janet Cunningham (Is.10)
by Janet Cunningham, M.S. The study of obesity has perplexed dieters and professionals alike. This paper presents the research and view that regression therapy and working through the blockages in the unconscious mind can be a major key to success. The research of the author indicates five major reasons for manifesting excess body fat. She identifies those reasons, and documents a case study using childhood and past-life therapy. In spite of an increased interest in fitness in the 1980’s and 90’s, statistics indicate a shocking reality: eighty to ninety percent of dieters who lose weight gain it back. We continue to emphasize external (diet change, exercise, behavior) and avoid internal factors (thoughts, beliefs, mind patterning, and emotion). Clearly we have not addressed the mind’s ability to hold unconscious reasons to keep excess body fat. Nor have we begun to consider the “spirit” or energy-essence of the individual. Experts continue to
Agoraphobia: Trauma of a Lost Soul? – Dr. Marianne de Jong (Is.10)
by Marianne de Jong APRT is, indeed, fortunate to count among its members a growing number of colleagues in other countries who bring new understanding and perspectives to our work. We welcome their contributions. Dr. de Jong presents the reader with an exciting theory based on her work with agoraphobia. As a psychotherapist with many phobic clients, I have found regression therapy to be an effective method for overcoming a specific fear. Agoraphobia, however, puts special demands on the therapist. Staats (1975) defines a phobia as a defective stimulus or response control. For example, if the stimulus is a quiet street and the response is panic, fear, avoidance, and running away, clearly the response is not one that is normally elicited by such a stimulus. It would be a normal response, however, if the stimulus were a face-to-face confrontation with a roaring lion. In regression therapy I try to find
TERMS: Is it Possession or “Attachment”? (Is.10)
An article written by Louise Ireland-Frey which appeared in the Fall 1986 issue of the Journal prompted a letter from George Schwimmer. The topic is an important one and those whom he mentioned in his letter were invited by the Journal to pen a response. We are pleased to share with our readers both Dr. Schwimmer’s letter and the comments of Dr. Ireland-Frey and Dr. Baldwin. A letter from George Schwimmer, Ph.D. To The Editor: I should like to comment on the Journal article, Clinical Depossession, by Dr. Louise Ireland-Frey, as well as on aspects of spirit therapy in general. To begin with, I feel that therapists should not use the word “possession.” “Possession” implies that the attached entity actually owns or totally controls the host, and as Dr. Ireland-Frey and others note—this is a fairly rare condition, probably only seen in mental institutions. Also, the word “possession” has too
“Pro-Love” and the Ensoulement Dilemma – Amy Shapiro (Is.10)
by Amy Shapiro, M.Ed. Abortion is the focus of discussion, debate, and argumentations today perhaps as never before. It is an explosive emotional issue mired in a confusion of politics, theology, ethics, and traditions which, given contemporary attitudes and polemic polarizations, provokes more heat than light. For PLT practitioners, there are several special issues which Amy Shapiro raises for us to consider as she presents some new insights into this old and difficult dilemma. As Past-Life Therapists, we can play a unique role in the healing process concerning pre- and post-abortion dilemmas. Using our navigational skills within the inner realms of spiritual frontiers, we can guide women to see that the Spirit of the unborn soul to whom they may deny entrance does not die, but goes on to where it may be more welcome…or may wait for that woman to become its mother when the timing is better for
Restructuring A Past-Life Body – George Schwimmer (Is.10)
by George Schwimmer, Ph.D. Dr. Schwimmer proposes that the impacts and the memories of both physical and mental traumas – from either past or present lives – become lodged in individuals’ chakras. These energies and images, along with their concomitant feelings, are symbols (often expressed as symptoms in the present life) for an underlying issue/lesson that an individual’s Higher Self is using to prod the Lower Self to work upon. However, the traumas are very real in an individual’s being, and therefore the negative images must be replaced by positive ones and the underlying disorder in the human chakras must be healed, in order to provide the individual with the psychic energy necessary to learn the needed lesson and to release trapped emotional energy as well. In the Seth material, channeled by the late Jane Roberts (Roberts, 1970, 1972), Seth firmly states that all time is simultaneous, a concept that
Understanding the Request for Past-Life Regression: A Case Example – David Hammerman (Is.10)
by David Hammerman, Ed.D. Practitioners of PLT, like all therapists, must be constantly mindful that clients who seek our services may not be aware of what they actually need. In other cases, they may know but are unwilling to acknowledge or express this openly. In the case of a request for a past-life regression, one needs to be aware that it may be a cover against exploring painful present life issues and concerns. Dr. Hammerman has conducted research in this area with his clientele and presents a case study which addresses this issue, illustrating the multifaceted nature of a request for a past-life regression. It also focuses on how hypnosis, as a clinical tool, facilitates the process. Discussions of past-life regression often focus on unearthed dramatic stories and on techniques to resolve physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds. However, the more mundane therapeutic relationship is both a rich source of understanding
Research in a Strange New Field: The Potluck Principle – Thelma B. Freedman (Is.10)
by Thelma B. Freedman, M.A. Shortly before closing this issue of the Journal, I asked Thelma to share with our readership her thoughts and wisdom on this vital topic. The need to encourage research looms so importantly in my own thinking, that it also became the topic of the Editor’s Page. (Did you take the time to read it?) In a manner so typical of her, Thelma drew from her knowledge and experience, and penned the following. I am not sure whether it is most appropriately called an article, an encouraging lesson, a set of instructions, or an admonishment. Perhaps all four. First and foremost, it presents the reader with thoughtfully prepared and practical advice. Her style is simple and direct, the true sign of a teacher-mentor. The message is clear for those who read it – and, after all, is not the mark of a wise person the ability
Critical Skills for Past-Life Therapy – Paul A. Hansen (Is.10)
by Paul A. Hansen, Ph.D. This article addresses two of the most significant problems observed in training therapists to do Past-Life Therapy. While these appear to be unique to Past-Life Therapy, they are really two skills very basic to all modes of therapy. The problems are: a) “Leading” clients and not staying with them. b) Taking the clients out of their experience. Dr. Hansen’s article addresses several basic issues. For the less experienced PL therapist, the information is vital, and for those with years of practice, a healthy review and reminder. Staying with the Client One of the commonly made assumptions by the beginning therapist, and sometimes experienced ones, is that it is the therapist’s job to fix or solve “the problem” for the client. Under this assumption, the therapist has to figure out where the client is going and lead the client to that goal, insight, or behavioral
Therapist Safety and Protection in Past-Life Therapy – David Hammerman (Is.9)
by David Hammerman, Ph.D. To take care of oneself is both prudent and vital. As the author of this article so rightly points out, therapists tend to be so attentive to the needs of our clients that they sometimes fail to practice appropriate measures to adequately protect themselves. The author, a licensed psychologist, has developed an interesting technique for therapists to use. While much work has been done in hypnotherapy around safety and protection for the client, little has been done around safety and protection for the therapist. There has been recent clinical attention paid to spirits attaching themselves to people and the depossession work that was required to release them (Ireland-Frey, 1986). The following report illustrates the need for appropriate protection measures in relation to unanticipated spirit attachment for the therapist doing past-life work, as well as some useful shielding techniques. About seven years ago, several years after the
Pardon My Research – Stanley Richardson (Is.9)
by Stanley Richardson, D.D.S. Research is the cornerstone of science. The rigors of professionalism demand objectivity and substantiation/validation. If PLT is to gain broad acceptance, then it must keep itself open to an ongoing process of objective and rigorous examination. It must be subjected to the cold, impartial scrutiny of research and controlled experimentation. Where no satisfactory method exists, new ones need to be developed. Results of research need to be carefully studied and discussed. With this in mind, Richardson has focused his attention on the validity of hypnosis as a tool for past-life research. The object of this project was to investigate the validity of being able to bring back past lives through the use of hypnosis, and at the same time possibly establishing the validity of past lives based on whatever positive findings might be made. It is important to understand that even if the results of the