Is Past Life Regression Ethical

Is Past Life Regression Ethical (Part 1-4)

Above, is the title of an article written by Gabriel Andrade from the Journal of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine.
Gabriel Andrade’s argument is two-fold.
First, she states that past life regression is not evidence-based.
Second, she states, “past life regression therapy has the great risk of implanting false memories in patients, and thus, causing significant harm. This is a violation of the principle of non-malfeasance, which is surely the most important principle in medical ethics.”

I am going to be the devil's advocate on this one and ask some questions. 
First, let us consider the following:
Reincarnation is a central belief of many religions

• Hinduism 1.2 billion

• Buddhism 535 million

• Jainism 6 million

• Sikhs 25 million

• Kabbalah Judaism?

• Americans and Europeans ( estimates from various countries range from 12% to 44% )
  If you do the numbers, this adds up to approximately 2 billion out of a world population of 7.8 billion. 

As reincarnation and past life regression are closely related, I would hypothesize that both concepts also include unique, distinct, belief systems. It is also not within the scope of this review to discuss how each religion views reincarnation.

The article, to me, reads that since there is no scientific proof of reincarnation, then past life regression does not exist. 
My first question: As religion is not evidence-based, is it unethical?
If we look at her second reason, i.e. “it implants false memories,” then I would ask the question -  does the process of past life regression therapy require you to implant false memories?

This is such an interesting subject, so I have decided to divide it up into four parts. The last part will be my personal experiences of facilitating PLR and my theory of what is happening during such sessions.

In Part 2, we will look at some history of PLR and look at the work of Dr. Ian Stevenson MD and Dr. Brian Weiss MD. These two respected scientists are the leading authorities on PLR.

The Ethics of Past Life Regression: An In-Depth Exploration

Past life regression is a controversial practice that involves guiding individuals to recall memories of alleged past lives, often through hypnosis. This practice raises significant ethical questions, particularly concerning its validity, psychological impact, and the responsibilities of practitioners. To thoroughly understand the ethical dimensions of past life regression, it is essential to delve into various aspects including its historical context, scientific scrutiny, psychological implications, and professional guidelines.

Historical Context and Development

The concept of past lives has roots in ancient philosophies and religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, where reincarnation is a central tenet. However, the modern practice of past life regression therapy emerged in the 20th century with figures like Dr. Morris Netherton and Dr. Brian Weiss popularizing it through their work and publications. These practitioners claim that accessing past life memories can help resolve current psychological issues by uncovering unresolved traumas from previous existences.

Scientific Scrutiny and Validity

From a scientific standpoint, past life regression lacks empirical support. The mainstream scientific community generally views it with skepticism due to the absence of verifiable evidence supporting the existence of past lives or the reliability of memories retrieved during regression sessions. Memory research indicates that human recollections are highly susceptible to suggestion and distortion (Loftus). Critics argue that what clients experience during regression may be confabulations—constructed narratives influenced by cultural beliefs or therapist suggestions rather than genuine memories.

Psychological Implications

The psychological impact of past life regression can be profound. Proponents assert that it offers therapeutic benefits by allowing individuals to confront fears or phobias linked to supposed past experiences. However, there are concerns about potential harm if clients become overly reliant on these sessions or if false memories are implanted inadvertently (APA). Such outcomes could exacerbate existing mental health issues rather than alleviate them.

Ethical Responsibilities of Practitioners

Practitioners who offer past life regression therapy must adhere to strict ethical guidelines to ensure client safety and well-being. Ethical considerations include obtaining informed consent, ensuring clients understand the speculative nature of the therapy, maintaining professional boundaries, and avoiding any form of coercion or undue influence (BPS). Additionally, practitioners should possess appropriate qualifications in psychology or counseling to competently address any adverse effects arising from sessions.

Professional Guidelines and Standards

Professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) have not officially endorsed past life regression due to its lack of scientific validation. Nonetheless, they emphasize the importance of evidence-based practices in psychotherapy. Practitioners offering this service should operate within established ethical frameworks that prioritize client welfare above all else.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while some individuals report positive experiences with past life regression therapy, its ethical standing remains contentious due to questions about its scientific validity and potential psychological risks. Practitioners must navigate these challenges carefully by adhering to rigorous ethical standards and prioritizing evidence-based approaches in their therapeutic practices.

References Sources:

1. Loftus, Elizabeth F., et al. The Myth of Repressed Memory: False Memories and Allegations of Sexual Abuse. St Martin's Press. (Print)

2. American Psychological Association (APA). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. APA Publications. (Web)

3. British Psychological Society (BPS). Code of Ethics and Conduct. BPS Publications. (Web)

4. Weiss, Brian L., M.D., Many Lives, Many Masters: The True Story of a Prominent Psychiatrist. Simon & Schuster Paperbacks. (Print)

5. Netherton, Morris & Nancy Shiffrin.Past Lives Therapy: Past Life Regression Specialization. Inner Eye Books Publishing Group Inc.. (Print)