From the heights of the light to the first stages of new life: adults’ pre and perinatal regression experiences in a meditation-based somatic psychotherapy

Accounts of regressed birth and prenatal memories are common in psychotherapies using altered states of consciousness but are often dismissed due to their questionable veracity. This qualitative study explored such experiences in 10 Australian participants who undertook Inner Space Techniques, a meditation-based somatic psychotherapy. Data from 80 therapy sessions, group discussions, and 20 follow-up interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, grounded in critical realism and theories of reincarnation and subtle bodies. Four themes emerged: The Journey to a New Life, The Womb Space, Being and Becoming: Mother and Baby, and The Threshold of Birth.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Regressed birth and prenatal “memories” are common in psychotherapies using altered states of consciousness. However, they have often been dismissed due to their questionable veracity, as many are beyond the scope of what is considered scientifically possible. Despite their uncertain status, these accounts may have important implications for pregnancy and birth practices, psychotherapy, and understandings of what it is to be human. They offer potential for understanding the foundations of self, emotions, trauma, mental health, and relationships, and may provide important insights for pregnancy and birth practices. One difficulty in studying these experiences has been limited theoretical frameworks to give meaning to accounts that appear to go beyond current scientific understandings of mind and matter. Despite numerous case studies and anecdotal reports of regressions to pre and perinatal life, systematic academic research in this sphere is in its infancy. This research explores accounts of birth, life in utero, and before-life regressions from 10 Australian participants who undertook a form of meditation-based somatic psychotherapy, Inner Space Techniques (IST). A qualitative research design was employed with data gathered from 80 therapy sessions and group discussions within the context of two workshops, along with 20 follow-up semi-structured interviews. The study is grounded in critical realism, using theories of reincarnation and subtle bodies as explanatory frameworks. A reflexive thematic analysis generated four overarching themes: The Journey to a New Life, The Womb Space, Being and Becoming: Mother and Baby, and The Threshold of Birth. These themes explored participants' sense of self and consciousness before life and in utero; the interconnected state of the mother and baby's subtle bodies in utero; the significance of birth for embodiment, and subtle body and sensory development; and themes related to spirituality. This research furthers understanding of altered states of consciousness in regression therapy and elucidates the dynamics of subtle bodies during incarnation, gestation and birth. It provides insights into prenatal trauma, emotions, and the foundations of self. The prenatal bond between mother and baby in utero is explored from the perspective of subtle bodies. It provides insight into spirituality and models of subtle bodies in psychotherapy. This research offers in-depth insight into pre and perinatal regression experiences with transferable relevance for psychotherapy and practices related to pregnancy and birth.