How to Deal with Traumatic Memories
Most of us can remember a time when something uncomfortable and unpleasant happened to us. We wish that event did not happen, but despite the event, we can still go on with our lives, and that event does not impact our daily lives. This is an example of our brain and nervous system being able to manage or tolerate uncomfortable events. However, traumatic memories impact the body and nervous system very differently and continue to impact our daily thoughts, beliefs, and at times our bodies. It’s important to learn how to deal with traumatic memories.
Traumatic memories are best dealt with by a licensed mental health provider who understands the complexities of traumatic experiences. You, along with your therapist, will likely begin by talking about the traumatic memory, the pre, and post-issues that surround that memory, and how that trauma continues to impact you today. Understanding trauma typically involves these steps:
1. Understanding of the trauma response
2. Psychoeducation of the brain and body during trauma
3. Grounding techniques to use when the memory is overwhelming
4. Identification of the memory
5. Triggers that initiate the traumatic memory
6. Body sensations during the traumatic memory
7. Negative beliefs about self during the trauma
8. Positive beliefs about self that the client who rather feel about themselves
9. Processing the traumatic memory
10. Decreased emotional “charge” when the memory occurs
11. Improved overall functioning in body, mind, and soul
A trauma informed therapist should always teach the client emotional regulation and grounding techniques to use during and after the memory has been processed and will likely check on the client to make sure that they are able to tolerate the reprocessing sessions.
Memories have a beginning, middle and an end, while traumatic memories can have these parts, traumatic memories tend to get “stuck” in one side of the brain and the memory is more easily triggered. Many people with traumatic memories have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnoses and suffer from some the following:
1. Reoccurring and distressing thoughts and beliefs about the event
2. Reoccurring dreams about the event
3. Acting or feeling that the memory is reoccurring (flashback)
4. Intense psychological impairment due to the traumatic event
The goal of the therapist is to allow the client to “revisit” the traumatic memory in a safe, secure manner so that the client can experience all parts of the memory (beginning, middle and end) and as a result, the emotional “charge” is decreased, and the client’s level of functioning is increased.
If you are suffering from a traumatic memory and that past memory is currently impacting your life, there is help. Learn how to deal with traumatic memories with one our a licensed therapists. Look for a trauma informed therapist, one that is trained in EMDR and other modalities used to treat these memories.
