An exploration of the regression concept historically and conceptually reveals that its familiarity and frequent use has resulted in decreasing conceptual clarity and precision. Rooted in an outmoded fixation-regression model of development and psychopatology, the concept has become concretized. This is a beginning exploration of problematic aspects of the concept of regression with emphasis on the potentially detrimental consequences for psychoanalytic technique that derive from its unexamined use. Some salient issues are illustrated with clinical examples.