How to Safely Explore Past Life Regression on Your Own
One of my first and favorite therapeutic tools
is past life therapy— or past life regression. This form of work, rooted in philosophies of reincarnation, has been around since at least the mid-twentieth century, with deep roots in numerous spiritual and religious traditions. I first learned it as a Quantum Healing Hypnosis practitioner as taught by Dolores Cannon.
I can only graze the surface of this topic here, but after experiencing dozens of regressions—on my own, with hypnotists (some more skilled than others), and guiding many clients through their own journeys—I do feel it’s possible to do this kind of work solo, with careful judgment.
That said, it’s always recommended to seek a competent therapist if you feel out of your depth.
Where to Start and Why
There are many great guided meditations and resources that can support your journey. But the reason I’m writing this is because I’ve noticed a gap.
When I search online for “past life regression on myself,” I mostly find a few common takes:
“Make sure it’s only a positive past life experience.”
“It’s not possible.”
Or flat-out: “Don’t do it.”
Having been through difficult regressions—and having found myself in over my head—I get it. A classic immersive regression can be powerful and intense.
But sometimes, partial or full healing can occur without a full regression at all.
I want to offer some tools and my perspective for those who do find themselves called to explore this work solo.
How I Approach Solo Past Life Work
(I may use the words “aspect” and “character” interchangeably)
When I work alone, I find that framing the experience as a dialogue helps immensely.
Usually, the process begins when I approach an aspect/part of myself and sense that it may have roots in another lifetime.
From there, I open a channel of communication—creating space where information can be exchanged—and I dialogue with the past life aspect comfortably until I know more.
This is a powerful moment to show compassion, and ask questions.
I may use healing imagery or even create a “redo” of an upsetting event, but now with a positive spin on it. Or simply be a healing presence where before there was none.
If the character feels negative or intense, simply stay centered and curious.
Set boundaries if needed. Trauma is healed in the embrace of compassion.
This approach helps me keep the work light. In fact, I don’t usually fully regress into a past life character. Instead, I may briefly step in and out of the consciousness of the character—just enough to gain clarity if needed.
Trust that what you're shown is the right piece for this moment. Don’t force or rush the work. Just nudge it gently forward, stay curious, and breathe.
Often, I’ll work with just the bit I’m shown, then check to see if the work sticks—by asking more questions or even looking into the future of the character to feel how things have shifted.
These days, when a past life aspect surfaces, I sense right away whether I can handle it solo or if I need support. The great hypnotherapist Roy Hunter teaches that in self-hypnosis, he can move a small piece of furniture by himself—but when it comes to a large sofa, he asks for help.
A Personal Example
At one point, I noticed a part of myself that seemed to crave external knowledge—seeking out others I viewed as wiser or more credentialed, instead of trusting my own intuition.
When I deepened my trance and looked deeper into this dynamic, I wasn’t shown a moment from my current life, but instead an image of a young child with a stern schoolteacher.
The teacher discouraged exploration and demanded obedience to his way as the only way. This traumatized the child.
Dialogue and healing presence:
I paused the scene and opened communication with the child. He was grateful that another was listening to his story and could offer help.
As I listened, more became clear—and I saw how this experience paralleled my own tendency to defer to authority and doubt my inner wisdom.
I was told to offer the child a few truths:
That mistakes are a natural and valuable part of learning
That learning is doing
That any teacher who insists their way is the only way is not to be trusted
I could see the child considering these new ideas.
Reparenting or “re-do”:
I then stepped in and moved him into a different classroom—one with a teacher who encouraged exploration and curiosity. I was told this class was “self-study,” and the child thrived in it.
The result:
What followed was wonderful!
The child was grateful to be seen and supported
My own self-love deepened
I remained separate from the child, yet compassionately engaged
Checking the work
I checked in with him numerous times during this reparenting process to see how he was taking in the new knowledge. I saw lovely images of him studying twice as hard on his own, just thrilled at the possibility of learning without fear of mistake or judgement of perfection and doing it himself.
Even now, as I write this, I feel the ripple effect of that healing moment, and his gratitude for my presence.
Final Thoughts
Some experiences are more demanding than this and will require outside help. But as your skill with solo inner work grows, you may find that working with small pieces—in a spirit of dialogue, with healing imagery and breath—is both safe and effective.
The big takeaway: know your depth. If something feels too big, trust that instinct and seek help. But don’t underestimate your capacity to heal, either. You are more powerful than you think.
Use your best discretion. Bring in your favorite modalities—visualization, crystals, mantras, or whatever supports you. And don’t be afraid to call on your internal team—guides, higher beings, etc.
If something is being shown to you, there’s a reason. And whether you walk through it solo or with support, you’re ready.
Thanks for reading.