Regret is a negative emotion characterized by sadness, disappointment, or sorrow over a past action or inaction, and a wish that things had been different. It arises from the feeling that a different choice could have led to a more desirable outcome.
Here’s a sample hypnotherapy script to help someone understand and see that they are not the feeling of regret, but rather they are only experiencing a feeling of regret:
Introduction
(Soothing music starts playing. The hypnotherapist’s voice is calm and gentle.)
Hypnotherapist: “Welcome to this session. Allow yourself to relax, breathe deeply, and let go of any tension. Imagine yourself in a peaceful place, where you feel safe and comfortable. Take a moment to notice the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the sensation of the air on your skin, and the sound of my voice guiding you.”
Induction
Hypnotherapist: “Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, and out through your mouth. As you exhale, feel any stress or anxiety leave your body. Allow your eyelids to grow heavy, and your body to relax, starting from the crown of your head, down to your toes. With each breath, feel yourself becoming more relaxed, more calm, and more focused.
Imagine yourself on a peaceful mountain, surrounded by towering trees and a gentle mist. Notice the sound of the wind whispering through the leaves, the warmth of the sun on your skin, and the sensation of the soft grass beneath your feet. Allow yourself to fully immerse in this experience, letting go of any thoughts or worries.”
Deepening
Hypnotherapist: “As you continue to breathe deeply, imagine yourself descending a staircase, with each step taking you deeper into relaxation. As you reach the bottom, you find yourself in a peaceful, serene environment. Notice the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Allow yourself to fully immerse in this experience, letting go of any thoughts or worries.
Now, bring to mind a situation where you felt regret. Perhaps it was a past decision, a missed opportunity, or a perceived mistake. Notice the feelings that arise in your body, the thoughts that come to mind, and the sensations that you experience. Imagine yourself observing these feelings, rather than being consumed by them. See them as a ripple in a pond, causing a temporary disturbance, but not defining the entirety of the water.”
Therapeutic Suggestions
Hypnotherapist: “As you reflect on this experience, remember that the feeling of regret is not who you are. It’s a feeling that you’re experiencing, a temporary state that will pass. Imagine yourself as a strong, sturdy bridge, connecting the past to the present, and spanning the chasm of uncertainty.
Repeat the following phrases to yourself, allowing the meaning to sink deeply into your subconscious mind:
* ‘I am not my feelings, I am the one who experiences them.’
* ‘Regret is a feeling, it’s not who I am.’
* ‘I am separate from my emotions, I can observe them without being controlled by them.’
* ‘I am strong, resilient, and capable of learning from my experiences.’
Visualization
Hypnotherapist: “Imagine yourself standing in a beautiful forest, surrounded by tall trees and a peaceful stream. Notice the sensation of your feet on the ground, the sound of the water flowing, and the warmth of the sun on your skin.
As you look around the forest, notice a small, delicate leaf that represents your regret. See this leaf as a temporary growth, something that will bloom, wither, and fall away. Imagine yourself gently observing this leaf, allowing it to be present, but not letting it define you.
As you continue to breathe deeply, imagine this leaf beginning to slowly release its attachment to the tree, drifting gently to the ground, and becoming one with the soil. See yourself standing in the forest, feeling more at peace, more calm, and more connected to your true self.
Remember, you are not your feelings. You are the one who experiences them, and you have the power to choose how you respond to them. You can choose to observe your feelings with compassion, rather than judgment. You can choose to treat yourself with kindness and understanding, and to find the wisdom in every experience.
Reinforcement
Hypnotherapist: “As you continue to breathe deeply, repeat the following phrases to yourself, allowing the meaning to sink deeply into your subconscious mind:
* ‘I am separate from my feelings, and I can observe them without judgment.’
* ‘I am strong, resilient, and capable of learning from my experiences.’
* ‘I trust in my ability to grow, to learn, and to evolve.’
* ‘I am enough, exactly as I am.’
Awakening
Hypnotherapist: “When you’re ready, slowly open your eyes. Take a deep breath in, and out, and notice how you feel. Notice any shifts in your perspective, any increased sense of peace or calm. Remember that you can return to this peaceful, relaxed state whenever you need to, and that the suggestions made during this session will continue to guide you in your daily life.”
(Soothing music continues to play as the session comes to a close.)
This script is just a sample, and you can modify it to fit your specific needs and preferences. Remember to always use a gentle, calming tone and to tailor the script to the individual’s needs and goals. I hope this script helps you to understand and see that you are not the feeling of regret, but rather you are only experiencing a feeling of regret.