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How and Why Does "Past Life Therapy" Work ?
Paul Schenk, PsyD
Even though the concept of reincarnation is widely accepted by large segments of the world's population, the theorized ability to access memories of other lifetimes in psychotherapy lies outside the boundaries of many clinicians. Using videotapes and transcripts of hypnotic experiences of the "past life" type, participants will be asked to formulate alternative theoretical models to explain the observed therapeutic effectiveness. The models developed by the participants will be compared/contrasted with (a) a model that relies on reincarnation as an explanatory factor, and (b) the presenter's "waking dream" model which does not. Each model will then be tested with additional videotaped case studies.
Participants will be able to begin applying this hypnotic strategy to treat a variety of Axis I and Axis II symptoms:
1. to correct faulty assumptions/beliefs that have perpetuated a presenting problem; 2. to try out new solutions in the virtual reality of the dream-like experience;
3. to experience a presenting problem from a different perspective to enhance meta-level understanding;
4. to develop an operant conditioning cue to help implement/practice a desired change in behavior;
5. to develop new insights about current relationships;
6. for ego strengthening; and
7. to explore metaphysical, spiritual and/or existential issues.
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to do the following in their practice:
• Recognize the limiting effects of failing to be open to clients' experiences and/or to be open to new treatment
methods because the theoretical rationale lies outside the therapist's belief system;
• Utilize multiple theoretical models to explain observed results;
• Explain the therapeutic results achieved:
• Utilize expanded ways to apply trauma treatment and dream interpretation strategies;
• Offer additional clinical tools to deal with a variety of presenting symptoms that may have been unresponsive to other
treatment techniques; and
• As more experience is gained using this hypnotic method, clinicians will find additional ways to apply it to a broader range of presenting symptoms.
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