By The return to emotional time implies the return to immature strategies to deal with current problems. It is also a psychological technique that generates criticism and opinions. Join us to delve deeper into the subject.
In the field of psychology, regression refers to the process in which a person of any age “regresses” to more childish behaviors or attitudes as a way of protecting themselves from discomfort.
However, this term also refers to the therapeutic method where the patient is guided by a professional to relive and explore past events, with the aim of understanding and resolving traumas or other emotional problems. We invite you to explore each of these scenarios, starting with the basic concept.
What is regression in psychology?
Regression is understood in psychology as a path that manifests itself in two different ways, each with its own purposes and effects. There is the one introduced by Sigmund Freud that acts as a defense mechanism, just as avoidance and rationalization do , for example. All of them are intended to create a psychological barrier that helps to deal with emotional tensions.
There is also a form of regression that seeks healing. In this context, regressive therapy is born, which explores and treats emotional problems rooted in the past. However, we must say in advance that both methods carry certain risks and drawbacks, which we will also discuss with you.
Regression as a defense mechanism
Under the psychoanalytic perspective, a defense mechanism is a method that people use, unconsciously, to protect themselves from emotional discomfort.
In particular, regression is a return to emotional time, where someone adopts more primitive or less mature attitudes or behaviors as a way of coping with stress or anxiety. In other words, they resort to older and more basic forms of protection in order to deal with current conflicts.
Examples of regression as a defense mechanism
This primary defense mechanism manifests itself in individuals of all ages, from children to older adults. Let’s look at some examples that illustrate this clearly.
Among infantile regressions , we could include a five-year-old girl who, after entering primary school, has difficulty with sphincter control, despite having previously successfully mastered it. Or a child who, during the separation of his parents, resumes the old habit of sucking his thumb, as a way of finding comfort.
We could also think of a teenager who faces a lot of academic pressure and takes refuge in more childish reactions, such as irritability and crying out of frustration. Or an adult who, after experiencing a traumatic situation, begins to be afraid of sleeping alone in the dark and seeks the company of someone else at night.
While regression can help people deal with difficult situations, if it becomes a recurring measure, it may cause more problems than it solves. This means that if someone gets stuck in regressive patterns, they may have serious difficulties dealing with challenges effectively and maturely.
Relationship with fixation
When we talk about fixation , we are referring to being stuck in a specific stage of psychosexual development. This can occur if a person fails to resolve conflicts or satisfy needs that are associated with that particular phase.
For example, during the oral phase babies experience pleasure through their mouths, such as sucking on their mother’s breast or sucking their thumb. If the baby does not receive enough satisfaction during this period , or receives too much, they may become “fixated” on it.
As a result, in adulthood it is possible to develop behaviour patterns that are linked to the oral phase. Perhaps you constantly seek satisfaction through habits such as overeating , smoking or nail biting. Thus, fixation can predispose to the regression mechanism in times of emotional distress.
Regression as a therapeutic technique
Regression therapy in psychology, also called regressive therapy, is an alternative model. It involves exploring events, often experienced during childhood, or significant moments in the past, to understand how they influence current life. It has also been used to connect with past lives, intrauterine life and birth.
It is based on the idea that consciousness is timeless, meaning that it is not limited by the linear sequence of time. Instead, it involves experiencing past, present, and future events simultaneously or without following a logical chronology.
The therapist uses methods such as hypnosis or relaxation to help the patient remember those old experiences that are affecting their present, so that they can process them.
How do you do regression in psychology?
Although the process varies depending on the therapist and the individual situation of each client, regression therapy usually presents a fairly defined series of steps.
1. Start-up phase
The therapist and patient create a bond of trust and collaboration. The goals of the therapy are discussed and the techniques to be used are explained.
2. Induction phase
During this stage, the therapist guides the client into a state of deep relaxation through tools such as hypnosis or visualization . The purpose is to facilitate access to the subconscious mind and the memories stored there.
3. Exploration phase
The professional may ask open-ended questions and even provide prompts and suggestions to help the person direct their attention to specific memories. They will then provide prompts to delve deeper into those experiences, investigating how they developed and how they affect them today.
4. Expression phase
With the therapist’s guidance, the client begins to express what he or she is feeling. Perhaps elements emerge about the people involved, associated feelings, and any other meanings drawn from the experience. Throughout the process, the professional validates the client’s emotions and makes sure to maintain a safe, warm, and supportive space.
5. Resignification phase
In collaboration, the psychologist and client work to reinterpret and give new meaning to the events explored during the session. This may include examining events from a different perspective, uncovering aspects that had not been previously considered, or identifying lessons learned.
Benefits
One of the main advantages that professionals who apply this therapy recognize is the possibility of knowing oneself in a deeper and more meaningful sense. By investigating past events and deep-rooted emotions, one comes to better understand one’s own feelings, thoughts and behaviors.
It also allows emotional conflicts or traumas to be resolved. This resolution leads to a reduction in stress, anxiety and other symptoms, as well as an improvement in quality of life and interpersonal relationships.
Reviews
The method has been very controversial in the field of psychology. Firstly, it is criticized for its lack of scientific evidence because it is framed within the psychoanalytic model .
At the same time, some experts warn about the risk of regression therapy implanting false memories, exacerbating pre-existing psychological problems and inducing new ones, considering that reliving sensitive events could lead to emotional destabilization.
However, it is important to know that due to concerns about its effectiveness and potential risks, its use is not as widespread today. However, if you are interested in this technique, it is essential to do so in a professional environment and with a properly trained therapist.
Two essential concepts to differentiate
In the vast field of psychology, it is common to find concepts that, although related, are distinct from each other. Regression as a defense mechanism and as an alternative therapy model are examples of this. Both imply, in some way, a return to previous mental or emotional states.
However, it is crucial to keep in mind the differences we mention in this article to avoid misinterpretations. Ultimately, these distinctions allow us to have a more holistic view of the human mind and the various ways in which we cope with and process our experiences.