Past regret can feel like carrying a heavy stone in your chest, replaying moments you wish you could change. Those “what if” thoughts loop endlessly, stealing your attention from the present moment and the possibilities ahead.

What if you could learn to view those past experiences differently? Imagine feeling genuinely at peace with decisions you’ve made, able to acknowledge mistakes without that familiar twist of pain in your stomach.

Hypnotherapy offers a gentle pathway to reframe your relationship with past events. Rather than erasing memories, it helps you process them in ways that allow healing and growth, freeing up mental space for the life you want to create now.

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy combines the naturally relaxed state of hypnosis with therapeutic techniques to help you access and reshape thought patterns. During hypnosis, your mind becomes more open to positive suggestions whilst remaining fully aware and in control.

Think of it as similar to that drowsy state just before sleep, when your mind drifts and creative insights often emerge. In this relaxed state, your hypnotherapist guides you to explore different perspectives on challenging memories or experiences.

The process feels deeply restful for most people. Your conscious mind, which usually analyses and judges every thought, steps back slightly. This creates space for your unconscious mind to process experiences in new ways.

Modern hypnotherapy draws from evidence-based psychological approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness techniques. Sessions are collaborative, with your hypnotherapist tailoring the approach to your specific needs and comfort level.

You remain aware throughout, often surprised by insights that emerge naturally during the relaxed state.

How Effective Is Hypnotherapy for Past Regret?

Past regret activates the same neural pathways as physical pain, literally hurting when memories surface. Your brain’s threat detection system treats emotional wounds like physical ones, keeping you hyper-alert to similar situations.

This creates a cycle where regretful memories trigger stress responses, making them feel more intense and harder to process rationally. The emotional charge attached to these memories keeps them vivid and intrusive.

Hypnotherapy helps by accessing the relaxation response, which naturally dampens the brain’s alarm systems. In this calmer state, you can revisit difficult memories without the usual emotional overwhelm, allowing for genuine reprocessing rather than mere repetition.

Research published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis shows hypnotherapy can significantly reduce rumination patterns. Stanford University studies demonstrate that hypnotic states enhance emotional regulation and memory reconsolidation.

Like slowly turning down the volume on a painful song, hypnotherapy helps reduce the emotional intensity attached to regretful memories. The memories remain, but they lose their power to hijack your present moment.

Sarah, a teacher, found herself constantly replaying a harsh comment she’d made to a student years earlier. After several hypnotherapy sessions, she began to notice the memory arising without the usual flood of self-criticism, eventually feeling genuinely compassionate towards her younger, stressed self.

Individual responses vary considerably. Some people notice shifts within a few sessions, whilst others need more time to develop new neural pathways around challenging memories.

What Happens in a Session for Past Regret?

Your first session typically involves discussing your specific experiences with regret and what you’d like to change. Your hypnotherapist will explain the process and answer any questions, ensuring you feel completely comfortable before proceeding.

The hypnosis itself usually begins with progressive relaxation, helping your body and mind settle into a peaceful state. You might focus on your breathing or imagine yourself in a safe, calming place.

Once relaxed, your hypnotherapist might guide you to revisit difficult memories from a new perspective. This could involve imagining yourself as a wise, compassionate observer or exploring what you’ve learned from past experiences.

Some sessions focus on strengthening your ability to self-forgive or developing more balanced self-talk. Others might explore the values and wisdom you’ve gained through difficult experiences, helping you find meaning rather than just pain.

You’ll emerge from hypnosis feeling refreshed, often with new insights about your situation. Many people describe feeling lighter, as if they’ve set down a burden they’d been carrying for years.

Between sessions, you might practice self-hypnosis techniques or use recordings to reinforce the positive changes you’re developing.

Common Misconceptions About Hypnotherapy

Many people worry they’ll lose control during hypnosis or reveal embarrassing secrets. In reality, hypnotherapy feels more like guided daydreaming. You remain aware and can choose what to share or explore.

Another myth suggests hypnosis can erase traumatic memories entirely. Whilst hypnotherapy can reduce the emotional impact of difficult memories, it doesn’t delete them from your mind completely.

Some believe hypnotherapy offers instant solutions. Genuine healing from deep regret usually happens gradually, as your mind slowly develops new patterns of thinking and responding to challenging memories.

Stage hypnosis creates unrealistic expectations about therapeutic hypnosis. Clinical hypnotherapy is collaborative and gentle, focused on your wellbeing rather than entertainment.

How Many Sessions Are Needed for Past Regret?

Most people begin noticing subtle shifts in their relationship with regretful memories within 3-6 sessions. The intensity of self-criticism might soften, or intrusive thoughts might become less frequent.

Deeper patterns of regret, especially those connected to significant life events, often require 8-12 sessions for substantial change. Your hypnotherapist will work with you to identify realistic goals and timelines.

Some clients find occasional “top-up” sessions helpful for maintaining progress, particularly during stressful periods when old patterns might resurface temporarily.

The complexity of your situation influences the timeline. Regret intertwined with guilt or shame may need additional attention to address these layered emotions fully.

Progress isn’t always linear. You might experience breakthroughs followed by challenging days as your mind integrates new ways of processing difficult memories.

Is Hypnotherapy Right for Me?

Consider hypnotherapy if past regret regularly interrupts your daily life or prevents you from making decisions confidently. If you find yourself avoiding situations because they remind you of past mistakes, this approach might help.

Hypnotherapy works well for people ready to explore their experiences from new perspectives. It suits those who prefer gentle, introspective approaches rather than purely analytical methods.

If you experience persistent rumination alongside regret, hypnotherapy’s focus on changing thought patterns could be particularly beneficial.

Most people can be hypnotised to some degree, though your willingness to engage with the process matters more than natural hypnotic ability.

What if you could wake up tomorrow feeling genuinely at peace with your past choices? Imagine redirecting all that mental energy currently spent on regret towards creating the future you truly want.

Explore more about hypnotherapy for Personal Growth & Purpose.

Is Hypnotherapy as Effective Online?

This session can be conducted online from anywhere in the world—research published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare has demonstrated that online hypnotherapy is equally effective as in-person sessions for anxiety, with the added benefits of convenience and accessibility from your own comfortable environment. 

Many clients find that being in their own space actually helps them relax more deeply. 

If after that initial session you feel hypnotherapy isn’t right for you, there’s no obligation to continue. 

Book your introductory session and discover whether this approach resonates with you.