Time Line Therapy™

Written by Ellen Lees
Ellen Lees
Hypnotherapy Directory Content Team

task_alt Reviewed by Hazel Saville
Last updated 7th January 2025 | Next update due 7th January 2028

Time Line Therapy™ is a therapeutic technique that helps people let go of negative emotions that were attached to past memories. This method also helps clients create a positive future by using helpful tools or feelings they can develop in their lives now. Here, we explore what Time Line Therapy™ is, how it could help you and answer common questions.


What is Time Line Therapy™?

Time Line Therapy™ (TLT) is a hypnotic approach created by NLP practitioner, Tad James which derives from hypnosis and NLP. It uses techniques, guided by a practitioner, to help individuals release unwanted, negative emotions or limiting beliefs attached to past memories or events. This therapy is based on the concept that our unconscious mind stores memories in a linear pattern (like a timeline). Simply put, this timeline is a mental photo album of our life.

Ultimately, Time Line Therapy™ aims to reprogram a client's behaviour patterns so they react to current situations in the here and now, rather than based on past experiences. Breaking the connection between memories and their linked negative emotions fosters healthier beliefs and forward progression and promotes better mind-body health.

In this video, hypnotherapist Mary Bowmer (HypDip; HPD; MIBWRT; NLP Dip) explains what Time Line Therapy™ is and how it may benefit you. 


What happens in Time Line Therapy™?

Time Line Therapy™ focuses on what can be learnt from past events and utilises these as a resource for a positive future. It works by transforming your internal programming - the part of us that is often responsible for how we outwardly express our emotions.

In TLT sessions, the client begins by highlighting specific memories in their personal timeline. Then, with the help of a practitioner, they identify events that they may have subconsciously attributed negative emotions to. Once the root cause is established, the practitioner helps the client disconnect these memories from associated negative thoughts and feelings, and create more positive affirmations and beliefs to help them progress. This approach helps individuals become more open to changing their thought processes and automatic responses. 

It's important to note that Time Line Therapy™ only deals with the negative emotions and feelings attached to the memories. Our memories are our history and are an important part of who we are. These are not erased.


The benefits of Time Line Therapy™

One advantage of Time Line Therapy™ is that it enables the client to let go and clear all the chains of emotion, rather than focus on one at a time. For example, if a client is experiencing anger problems, TLT helps eliminate all anger from the past, not the one feeling attached to the particular event or memory. Time Line Therapy™ helps clients release emotions from the root cause, which promotes lasting change. 

Time Line Therapy™ is an invaluable technique in helping people let go of limiting beliefs and decisions that may prevent positive progression. Examples of limiting beliefs include, “I don’t deserve it”, “I can’t do it” and “I’m not good enough”. Time Line Therapy™ can also support clients on their journey to achieve any goals they have for the future.


What can Time Line Therapy™ help with?

Time Line Therapy™ is considered a particularly useful approach in helping people overcome symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety. In TLT for anxiety, for example, the client is asked to imagine being above their timeline. While floating above, they are asked to go to the point where the anxiety has diminished and the event causing the anxiety has been completed. By viewing the endpoint rather than focusing on the event itself, the feelings of anxiety can be reduced.

The emotions associated with certain memories or experiences will vary for individuals. However, common examples of ‘painful emotions’ include:

  • anger
  • sadness
  • hurt
  • regret
  • fear
  • guilt

Time Line Therapy™ can help clients work through limiting beliefs that are keeping them in the past and preventing them from living their best lives. Unwanted negative emotions and limiting beliefs can have a huge effect on our lives. TLT supports the client through this journey, supporting them at every hurdle.

Reliving these painful memories can be difficult, but this is where working with a TLT practitioner who is there to support and guide you through the process is invaluable. Often, Time Line Therapy™ is used in conjunction with hypnotherapy and NLP to create a powerful and unique therapeutic model to help people move forward. 

What is Time Line Therapy™ in NLP?

Time Line Therapy™ is often used alongside clinical hypnosis and neuro-linguistic programming. TLT extensively uses some NLP techniques, such as reframing, to help challenge existing perceptions. While many similar techniques are used, they are not the same thing.


How to find a Time Line Therapy™ practitioner

As it stands, there are currently no laws in the UK stating the level of training an individual must have to practice hypnotherapy. But, there are a number of professional bodies and societies that practitioners can choose to register with. To do this, a hypnotherapist will need to meet certain criteria set by the organisation. 

While not all hypnotherapists are members of a professional body, it can be reassuring for the client to know the professional is working to a good standard and has agreed to abide by a code of ethics and complaints procedure.

Time Line Therapy™ practitioners will also require qualifications in hypnotherapy and NLP to practice with clients. It's helpful to equip yourself with this knowledge when researching practitioners so you can find the one who's right for you. Use our search tool to get started, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

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