“Child ego state” feelings and behaviors dominate, and the client may move into a very adapted or rebellious position they may become passive, confused and non-thinking they may be very emotionally flooded or they may exhibit hypochondriac or psychosomatic functioning of an earlier age level.
Regression is a retreat or return to an earlier state of functioning. In this blog post we will briefly explore what is regression, three issues that tend to intensify regression, and how a therapist may inadvertently contribute to increasing the regression. However, often it is counterproductive and reinforces patterns that keep the couple stuck. At times, attending to and even promoting regression can facilitate change. Regressed partners in couples therapy often demand that either you or their partner focus on them.
