Below is a fascinating article that talks about how the brain remembers trauma. There is particular focus on what is called, “flashbulb memories”, incredibly detailed recollections that seem imprinted on our brains due to the activation of the fight-or-flight mechanics. The memories then stand out in our history, like ink spots on a white sheet. In this article, the author suggests that the ability to recall details gives the impression of accuracy. Yet the research suggests that these memories become increasingly spotty overtime, just like non-traumatic recall. To read the full article, go to:
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/2011/08/17/how-the-brain-remembers-911/
How might this information have impact on a survivor? In the legal realm, this is problematic since they need factual evidence to ensure just action is taken. Yet to heal, we are not bound by what can be proven with hard evidence. The work is about personal truth, not facts. For example, healing involves addressing meanings ascribed to the event. The reason is that these beliefs promote patterns of behavior that can be problematic and inflexible. Healing also deals with triggers and reactions that occur based on the way the body stored the traumatic energy. More interest will be paid to movements and experiences that allow the energy to resolve rather than the linear sequence of events. There is even the potential to soften those intrusive flashbulb recollections so they fade into the background. But even then, we are more interested in the ways the memory has become stuck than whether or not it is accurate.
Your memories will change over time. The good news is when it comes to overcoming terrifying experiences in our lives; whatever is available is what we work with. If it is real to you, it is valid. Therapy then becomes about discovering what it takes to find peace.
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