There are 4 memory situations that you will encounter with a client, and they are Amnesia, Normal Memory, Hypermnesia and Regression. Normal memory doesn’t require any discussion. Short term amnesia is something that can occur naturally with clients, but not always. Amnesia can also be induced through suggestion, as in the example of the street or stage hypnotist having a subject forget their name, or a number. I wouldn’t recommend using it in therapy, for example, having a client forget a painful memory, because this can cause other issue to manifest themselves later on.

There is a fine line between Hypermnesia (A vivid memory, but with a sense of dissociation) and Regression (Fully immersed in a memory as if it is happening the first time). Both can be utilized in therapy with clients, either to uncover an initial sensitizing event, related to the current presenting issue, or to create a “Days of wonder” scenario, where you have a client relive a pleasant, positive memory.

If you are performing a regression with a client (after obtaining the proper training to do so) and you get either a revivification through hypermnesia (so that the client can describe the event, as it unfolds, in great detail) or you get a full regression (where the client is reliving the event as if it is occurring the first time) then you can work effectively with the client to resolve the issue. A full regression into the event would be preferable, but you can utilize either memory state effectively for regression and integration therapy.

The way you access a past memory during a regression, is by utilizing what’s known as an “Affect Bridge”. Our memories are not stored chronologically in our subconscious, instead they are tied to emotional states. So, for example, if you wanted to have a client relive an earlier pleasant experience, like joy, then, while in hypnosis, you would have them recall a recent time where they felt joy. You would give them suggestions to intensify the feeling, and then, using the “Affect Bridge” you would have them bounce back to an earlier time where they felt this way. For example, you might say “And now, as you are feeling this intense joy, when I count from 3 down to 1, on the count of one, I want you to return to an earlier time when you felt this way. 3…2…1 be there now.” You would then follow up with some orienting questions “First impression, day time or night time? Alone or with someone? Inside or outside? Describe what you see. Etc.”

You will usually always get the client to return to an earlier time using this method. And if necessary, you can continue to repeat the process until you have reached the initial sensitizing event (the very first time they have felt this particular emotion), but that is for a different discussion.

Hypermnesia can also be utilized for “State Dependent Learning”, whereby the client is guided into hypnosis, either during a session, or by activating a post hypnotic suggestion through a trigger, and while “in state” participates in a learning event. Then, much later, when the client wishes to recall that information, all they have to do is again trigger the hypnotic state and they will have full access to the material learned. You can also trigger this recall to other situations, such as “Whenever prepare to take your test, you will have full and immediate access to this information”

That’s all I have for now.

Michael C. White, C.Ht.