This case report discusses the diagnosis and treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in a 32-year-old engineer who experienced earthquake-related trauma. Treatment involved the application of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and the consideration of Past Life Regression Therapy. The patient reported a notable reduction in symptoms following initial treatment. This paper explores the potential efficacy of EFT and the role of past life regression in understanding and alleviating PTSD symptoms. The findings suggest a multidisciplinary approach to PTSD can be beneficial, with further research warranted to explore the connections between recurring dreams and past life experiences. The therapeutic intervention primarily involved Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), a method designed to alleviate psychological distress by tapping on specific meridian points while voicing affirmations. Additionally, the patient expressed interest in Past Life Regression Therapy to uncover potential subconscious links to his recurring dreams of being trapped in an earthquake. The initial application of EFT led to a notable reduction in symptoms, with the patient reporting a 20-25% improvement. This case highlights the potential benefits of a multidisciplinary approach to PTSD, incorporating both conventional and alternative therapies. The findings suggest that while EFT can offer immediate symptom relief, exploring past life experiences through regression therapy might provide deeper insights into unresolved trauma. Further research is recommended to validate the efficacy of combining these therapeutic approaches and to better understand the role of recurring dreams in PTSD symptomatology.

Keywords: PTSD, earthquake trauma, emotional freedom techniques, sleep paralysis, past life regression, recurring dreams

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a chronic and often debilitating mental health condition that arises following exposure to a traumatic event, severely impacting an individual’s emotional, cognitive, and physiological functioning.¹ Typically characterized by intrusive memories, nightmares, hyper vigilance, sleep disturbances, and emotional dysregulation, PTSD alters the way individuals perceive and respond to the world, significantly affecting their interpersonal relationships and overall quality of life.²

While PTSD has conventionally been studied in relation to combat trauma, abuse, or interpersonal violence, the psychological ramifications of natural disasters such as earthquakes are increasingly being recognized as equally profound and enduring.³ Survivors often confront not only the immediate threat to life but also the cumulative impact of displacement, loss of property, and existential fear making them susceptible to chronic psychological distress.

This case report focuses on a 32-year-old male engineer from Chandigarh, India, who developed PTSD after experiencing the catastrophic 2001 Bhuj earthquake. Although residing in Chandigarh, the psychological impact of the event was significant and long-lasting. His condition was subsequently exacerbated by two more seismic events in 2010 and 2017, leading to intensification of symptoms including recurring nightmares, often symbolically featuring a lawyer’s chamber-sleep paralysis, and acute anxiety episodes. This symptomatology reflects a complex trauma narrative that is not only rooted in lived experience but also tied to deeper symbolic and subconscious patterns.

In response to these multidimensional symptoms, an integrative therapeutic framework was employed, combining Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Past Life Regression Therapy (PLRT), and Subconscious Energy Healing Therapy (SEHT). EFT, a somatic-based psychotherapeutic intervention rooted in energy psychology, addresses trauma at the level of the emotional and neurobiological response system. PLRT, although non-traditional and often debated, offers a symbolic and psych spiritual lens for exploring unresolved subconscious conflicts. SEHT, a relatively novel Indian modality, builds on metaphysical principles to facilitate subconscious release and energy realignment.

This paper seeks to present a nuanced understanding of trauma as experienced through natural disasters, while also contributing to the growing body of literature advocating for integrative and culturally contextualized approaches to trauma therapy. The interplay between cognitive, somatic, and spiritual dimensions in the healing process is explored, offering a holistic perspective on PTSD management in non-Western clinical settings.

The psychological consequences of natural disasters have garnered substantial scholarly attention, with earthquakes identified as particularly distressing due to their unpredictability and destructive potential. PTSD is often one of the most prevalent psychological outcomes among survivors, especially when trauma is compounded by personal loss or direct exposure to danger. In a landmark meta-analysis of over 60,000 disaster victims, Norris et al.² concluded that natural disasters often yield high incidence rates of PTSD and other anxiety-related disorders. Their findings underscore the need for early psychological interventions and long-term monitoring of affected populations.

Sezgin and Punamäki³ further elaborated on this issue through their study on the survivors of the 1999 Turkish earthquake. Their research revealed that many individuals experienced long-lasting psychological distress, manifesting through nightmares, phobias, and persistent anxiety symptoms even years after the initial trauma. The recurring nature of seismic activity was found to exacerbate trauma responses, particularly in individuals with unresolved earlier trauma an observation that holds true in the present case, where the patient's initial PTSD following the 2001 earthquake was reactivated during the subsequent tremors in 2010 and 2017.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a form of energy psychology that combines elements of cognitive therapy and acupressure. By tapping on specific meridian points on the body while mentally focusing on distressing memories or emotions, EFT aims to reduce the intensity of emotional responses. Its efficacy in trauma resolution has been increasingly supported by empirical evidence. Church and Feinstein¹ demonstrated that EFT leads to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms by targeting the neurobiological stress response. Their research also highlighted physiological changes, such as reductions in cortisol levels and improvements in affect regulation, following EFT interventions.

In the present case, EFT was utilized to address the emotional intensity associated with traumatic memory recall, particularly the recurring nightmares and anxiety episodes. The technique enabled the patient to reprocess traumatic content in a way that was emotionally manageable, fostering a gradual desensitization to the triggers.

Past Life Regression Therapy (PLRT), although controversial in mainstream psychology, is increasingly being recognized for its therapeutic potential in psych spiritual and symbolic frameworks. PLRT involves guiding the client into a hypnotic or meditative state to explore narratives that are perceived as memories from previous lives. These narratives often symbolically represent subconscious conflicts, unresolved trauma, or existential themes that may not be accessible through conventional therapy.

Woolger⁴ drawing on Jungian psychology, posited that such regressions can offer access to archetypal imagery and suppressed emotional material, which, when processed, can lead to psychological insight and healing. In the case at hand, the recurring dream imagery of a “lawyer’s chamber” was interpreted as symbolically representing themes of justice, vulnerability, or the unresolved need for protection. PLRT provided a narrative framework through which the patient could reframe these dreams, reducing their distressing impact and facilitating emotional integration.

Subconscious Energy Healing Therapy (SEHT) represents an emerging therapeutic paradigm rooted in Indian metaphysical traditions and energy psychology. This modality involves identifying and releasing subconscious emotional blockages through a combination of visualization, intention-setting, spiritual guidance, and energy work. Recent studies conducted in India have demonstrated SEHT’s effectiveness in a range of psychological issues, including adolescent self-harm, infertility-related stress, relationship dysfunction, and anxiety.^5-16

In the context of this case, SEHT was applied as an adjunctive intervention to facilitate deeper healing at the subconscious level, especially where emotional responses were resistant to conventional techniques. By aligning with the patient’s spiritual beliefs and integrating holistic methods, SEHT provided an additional channel for emotional release, psychological clarity, and a renewed sense of inner coherence.

Patient information and symptoms

The patient, a 32-year-old married engineer, presented with episodes of nightmares related to an earthquake, sleep paralysis, and subsequent anxiety. His traumatic experience during the 2001 earthquake in Chandigarh, witnessing people jumping from balconies and fearing high-tension wires, profoundly affected his mental health. Despite no noted avoidance behaviors, the patient experienced hyper vigilance and recurring dreams of being trapped in an earthquake with a lawyer acquaintance.

Case summary

The patient is a 32-year-old urban male engineer, married and managing his own business, who presented with distressing symptoms of nightmares, sleep paralysis, and panic episodes each intricately linked to recurrent memories of a traumatic earthquake he experienced as a child in Chandigarh during the 2001 Bhuj earthquake. Although the epicenter was in Gujarat, the tremors felt in Chandigarh were strong enough to leave a lasting psychological impact. The patient recalls vividly witnessing people leaping from balconies and lived in constant fear of being electrocuted by high-tension wires during the incident. These events appear to have created a deeply rooted trauma, leading to the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Over the years, subsequent seismic events in 2010 and 2017 have acted as trauma triggers, reigniting the patient’s fear response and exacerbating hyper vigilant behaviors. He reports experiencing intrusive thoughts and nightmares centered on earthquakes particularly dreams in which he finds himself trapped in an earthquake while inside the chamber of a lawyer acquaintance. The recurrent nature of this dream, and its specific setting, has raised existential questions in the patient about the symbolic or subconscious significance of this imagery, indicating potential unresolved emotional associations or deeper psychological underpinnings.

Despite experiencing intense symptoms such as nightmares, hyper arousal, and intrusive recollections, the patient does not exhibit classical avoidance behaviors, which is understandable given the nature of the trauma natural disasters are external, unpredictable events that cannot be easily avoided. This differentiates his symptom profile from many PTSD cases where avoidance is a prominent coping mechanism.

To address these symptoms, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)-based stress management was initiated. The patient was instructed to locate areas of tension in his body and to engage in mindful tapping, holding, or massaging of these zones while verbalizing calming affirmations. The intervention was tailored specifically to target earthquake-related fear and anxiety. Two rounds of five repetitions each of EFT were demonstrated during the session. The patient reported an immediate subjective improvement, with a 20–25% reduction in emotional distress and a general sensation of lightness, indicating initial responsiveness to somatic-based interventions.

An additional therapeutic consideration emerged during the course of the session when the patient expressed curiosity about exploring Past Life Regression Therapy (PLRT). He believes there may be a deeper, possibly karmic reason behind his repeated earthquake dreams, particularly the presence of the lawyer’s chamber in the recurring dreamscape. The clinical decision to consider PLRT stems not from a psychodynamic diagnosis, but from an openness to integrative and exploratory therapeutic modalities that resonate with the client’s belief system and may provide insight into subconscious metaphors and unresolved emotional content.

The immediate treatment strategy is centered on the continued implementation of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to facilitate emotional regulation and alleviate core symptoms of post-traumatic distress. EFT, as a body-energy-based intervention, will serve as the foundational modality during the initial phase of treatment due to its established efficacy in reducing affective dysregulation and autonomic hyper arousal. Scheduled follow-up sessions will be conducted at regular intervals to systematically evaluate therapeutic progress and to determine the necessity for modification or augmentation of the intervention strategy. Should the client exhibit persistent or exacerbated symptomatology, such as intrusive recollections, heightened arousal, or emotional numbing evidence-based cognitive-behavioral and trauma-informed psychotherapeutic modalities will be considered for integration, thereby ensuring a flexible and responsive treatment framework.

Furthermore, contingent upon the client’s therapeutic readiness, openness, and alignment with identified goals, Past Life Regression Therapy (PLRT) may be introduced as an adjunctive modality. The incorporation of PLRT would aim to access symbolic or subconscious content potentially underlying the client’s distress particularly as manifested in recurring dreams or archetypal imagery, which may not be accessible through conventional modalities alone. This integrative and multidimensional treatment plan is designed to address both symptomatic relief and the facilitation of deeper psychological insight and transformation, thereby supporting a more holistic and individualized path toward trauma recovery.

The patient was diagnosed with PTSD, marked by exposure to severe trauma, intrusive memories, nightmares, and hyper vigilance. Treatment involved EFT-based stress management techniques, focusing on identifying bodily tension and employing tapping and calming phrases to alleviate distress. The patient showed a 20-25% reduction in symptoms post-treatment. Additionally, the patient expressed interest in past life regression therapy to explore the potential significance of his recurring dreams.

The patient, a 32-year-old engineer, was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following his exposure to the 2001 earthquake in Chandigarh, which was related to the Bhuj, Gujarat epicenter. His symptoms, including intrusive memories, nightmares, hyper vigilance, and heightened anxiety, were typical indicators of PTSD. These symptoms were further triggered by subsequent earthquakes in 2010 and 2017. The emotional toll of the trauma persisted over time, and the patient sought treatment to address his ongoing distress.

Treatment began with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), a therapeutic method combining elements of cognitive therapy and acupressure. EFT was chosen due to its proven efficacy in managing PTSD symptoms by targeting the emotional and physical responses to trauma. The therapy focused on identifying and releasing bodily tension associated with the traumatic memories. Using specific tapping points on the body, the patient was guided to tap while repeating calming phrases aimed at neutralizing the emotional charge connected to the trauma. This method helps to reduce stress by addressing both the mental and physiological responses to past trauma.

Post-treatment, the patient reported a 20-25% reduction in his PTSD symptoms, including a notable decrease in nightmares and overall anxiety. While this reduction was significant, the patient still struggled with certain symptoms, prompting further exploration into other therapeutic approaches.

Past Life Regression Therapy (PLRT) remains a topic of both intrigue and skepticism within the therapeutic community. While mainstream science does not validate the existence of past lives, PLRT can still hold significant psychological value, particularly when viewed through a symbolic and metaphorical lens. Therapeutically, PLRT operates on the premise that unresolved emotional conflicts may emerge through narratives that appear to stem from previous lifetimes.

These narratives, even if not grounded in actual reincarnation, often carry powerful emotional symbolism and can facilitate deep catharsis, insight, and resolution. From a psychological standpoint, the material accessed during PLRT whether symbolic, imagined, or repressed allows the client to project unconscious conflicts into metaphorical stories, much like in dream analysis or guided imagery work. The standard methodology for PLRT involves a hypnotic induction or deep guided relaxation, followed by age regression that takes the client back through present life memories and beyond.

Through guided prompts, the client may experience vivid imagery and emotions, which are explored and then integrated into their current psychological framework. Techniques such as emotional processing, narrative restructuring, and symbolic interpretation play a central role, resembling approaches found in Jungian active imagination or Gestalt therapy.

PLRT has been applied in several documented cases to address persistent symptoms such as phobias, PTSD, or somatic complaints, particularly when conventional therapies provide only partial relief. Clinicians like Dr. Brian Weiss and Dr. Roger Woolger have detailed case studies where clients showed significant symptom reduction after exploring past-life narratives. In India, symbolic regression has also been explored in psychological research and anecdotal practice with encouraging outcomes. However, PLRT is not without controversy. Critics argue that its metaphysical foundation lacks empirical support, and concerns around suggestibility and false memories make it a questionable fit for evidence-based practice.

Nonetheless, in transpersonal psychology and spiritual psychotherapy, PLRT is seen as a valuable modality for accessing deep emotional layers, especially in trauma cases that defy straightforward cognitive resolution.

In the present case, a 32-year-old male engineer experienced chronic PTSD symptoms tied to the 2001 Bhuj earthquake and re-triggered by later seismic events. While Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) led to a 20–25% reduction in symptoms, recurring symbolic dreams, especially those featuring a lawyer’s chamber persisted, suggesting deeper unresolved psychological content. The client voluntarily sought PLRT to explore these dreams, which may represent themes such as guilt, justice, or power dynamics. Through regression, he aimed to uncover subconscious roots of these symbols. Thus, even without accepting the literal existence of past lives, the therapeutic application of PLRT in this case offered an avenue for deeper emotional exploration and potential resolution of trauma embedded in symbolic memory.

This case emphasizes the value of a holistic, multi-faceted approach to managing PTSD, particularly in the context of trauma caused by natural disasters. The patient’s positive response to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) demonstrates its potential as an effective intervention, highlighting the importance of addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of trauma. EFT, by targeting emotional responses to traumatic memories and facilitating emotional release through acupressure, offers a unique method for reducing distress. This approach focuses on the mind-body connection, enabling patients to process emotions and memories in a manner that might not be achievable through traditional talk therapies alone. The 20-25% reduction in symptoms observed in this case suggests that EFT could be a valuable addition to conventional PTSD treatments.

Moreover, the patient's interest in past life regression therapy reveals the need for creative and unconventional methods in addressing unresolved trauma. While past life regression therapy is still a controversial and less widely accepted approach, it has the potential to uncover deep-seated, subconscious memories or symbolic representations of trauma that may not be accessible through traditional therapeutic techniques. This exploration offers a unique opportunity for gaining insight into the symbolic nature of recurrent dreams or unresolved emotional conflicts, which may play a significant role in PTSD.

The given statement advocates for the integration of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Past Life Regression Therapy (PLRT) into comprehensive treatment plans for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), particularly in the context of trauma caused by natural disasters. This reflects a growing interest in multidisciplinary approaches that combine cognitive, emotional, and energy-based therapies to provide more holistic and personalized care. PTSD is a complex condition that affects individuals cognitively, emotionally, somatically, and, for some, spiritually therefore, single-modality treatments may fall short in fully addressing its depth. EFT has shown promising results in reducing PTSD symptoms; for instance, Church et al.¹ reported a 63% reduction in symptoms among veterans after six sessions, while Clond’s 2016 meta-analysis confirmed EFT’s efficacy in managing anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

On the other hand, PLRT, although more controversial, has demonstrated anecdotal and clinical success in helping patients resolve deep-seated traumas. Dr. Brian Weiss's extensive work documents numerous cases where individuals overcame phobias and PTSD-like symptoms after uncovering symbolic past-life narratives. A 2016 case study from the Indian Journal of Psychiatry described a woman’s complete recovery from accident-related PTSD after just two sessions of PLRT.

When combined, these therapies may offer a synergistic effect EFT calming the nervous system and PLRT addressing subconscious and transpersonal elements of trauma. Integrative approaches have also been tested in interdisciplinary trauma programs, such as one in Turkey that blended CBT, EFT, yoga, and hypnotherapy for Syrian refugees, resulting in greater emotional regulation and therapeutic engagement. Future research should focus on controlled trials that assess the combined efficacy of EFT and PLRT, possibly comparing them to standard treatments like CBT. It is also important to examine which types of patients benefit most from such integrative care. Ultimately, adopting a flexible, multidisciplinary framework may pave the way for more innovative, empathetic, and effective interventions in trauma therapy, especially for those impacted by overwhelming events like natural disasters.

This case study underscores the potential of integrating diverse therapeutic strategies specifically, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Past Life Regression Therapy to effectively address Earthquake-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The patient, who had been exposed to severe trauma during multiple earthquake incidents, exhibited symptoms of PTSD, including recurrent nightmares, sleep paralysis, hyper vigilance, and intrusive memories. These symptoms were notably tied to the emotional and psychological impact of the earthquakes experienced at a young age, compounded by subsequent seismic events.

The application of EFT, a stress management technique that focuses on tapping on specific energy points on the body while verbalizing calming affirmations, led to significant symptom reduction. The patient reported a 20-25% improvement in distress levels, noting a decrease in the intensity of nightmares and panic episodes. By targeting the body’s tension and promoting emotional release, EFT helped the patient process traumatic memories in a more relaxed and manageable way. The patient was taught to apply EFT independently to continue managing symptoms effectively between sessions.

Additionally, the exploration of Past Life Regression Therapy allowed for deeper insight into the patient’s recurring dreams, especially those involving a lawyer and the trauma they experienced. This therapeutic approach offered a new perspective on the possible emotional roots of the trauma, helping the patient understand the significance of these dreams and their link to past emotional experiences.

While significant improvement was noted, the treatment plan will be adapted in the future to further address lingering symptoms. This case demonstrates the promising potential of combining multiple therapeutic modalities to support PTSD recovery and advocates for further research into their synergistic effects.

None.

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

1. Church D, Feinstein D. Clinical EFT as an evidence-based practice for the treatment of psychological and physiological conditions. Psychology Research and Behavior Management. 2013;6:1–14.
2. Norris FH, Friedman MJ, Watson PJ. 60 000 disaster victims speak: Part II. Summary and implications of the disaster mental health research. Psychiatry: Interpersonal and Biological Processes. 2002;65(3):240–260.
3. Sezgin N, Punamäki RL. Earthquake exposure, trauma, and mental health among survivors of the 1999 Turkish earthquake. Journal of Traumatic Stress. 2012;25(3):327–333.
4. Woolger R. Other Lives, Other Selves: A Jungian Psychotherapist Discovers Past Lives. New York, NY: Bantam Books; 1994.
5. Bhatt S, Puri A, Shelat S, et al. Colour psychology in interior design for geriatric spaces. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews.
6. Girdhar V, Bhatt S. A case study of integrative psychospiritual techniques in addressing adolescent emotional distress and self-harming behavior with Subconscious Energy Healing Therapy (SEHT). World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews.
7. Puri A, Shelat S, Bhatt S, et al. Unlocking the secrets of color psychology for transformative interior design through SEHT. Journal of Psychology and Spirituality.
8. Banerjee P, Sindhu B, Puri A, et al. Unmasking deception: Pathological lying in narcissists and the role of subconscious energy healing therapy. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews. 2024;24(2):1719–1724.
9. Banerjee P, Sindhu B, Nayar P, et al. Subconscious Energy Healing Therapy (SEHT) in anxiety management: A holistic approach for young mental health professionals. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews. 2024;24(2):1725–1729.
10. Banerjee P, Sindhu B, Bhatt S, et al. The role of subconscious energy healing therapy (SEHT) in enhancing relationship counselling outcomes. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews. 2024;24(2):1730–1737.
11. Puri A, Nayar P, Sandhu S, et al. Assessing narcissistic patterns: a comprehensive approach with the narcissistic personality patterns test (NPPT). International Journal of Science and Research Archive.
12. Puri A, Bhatt S, Akanksha P. Construction and standardization of a test of narcissistic personality pattern test. International Journal of Science and Research Archive. 2024;13(1):Article 2036.
13. Bhatt S, Jogy S, Puri A. Development of an app for diagnosing autism. International Journal of Science and Research Archive. 2024;12(1):2406–2410.
14. Bhatt S, Jogy S, Puri A. Integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Autism Therapy. Journal/Publisher. 2024;
15. Bamel P, Sindhu B, Sindhu S, et al. Recent eclectic approach to psychotherapeutic interventions in the Indian context – Subconscious Energy Healing Therapy (S.E.H.T). International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT). 2024;12(2):a434–a442.
16. Puri A, Mathur R, Sindhu N. Harnessing the power of AI in healthcare: Benefits, concerns, and challenges for medical personnel training. Art Human Open Acc J. 2024;6(2):90–91.