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Working with Memory to Reframe a Traumatic Experience

140 Comments

A single moment can last forever in the memory . . .

Now when the memory is of something special, a time or an event that we hold dear, reliving the experience can feel almost as good as the actual moment did.

But when someone is remembering a traumatic experience, that memory can trigger a painful cycle of fear, anger, helplessness, and shame . . .

. . . and this, in turn, can slow the healing process for patients recovering from trauma.

So can traumatic memories be changed?

In the video below, Peter Levine, PhD shares some key insights.

Check it out – it’s about three and a half minutes.

If you want to learn more about working through trauma, check out our Treating Trauma Master Series.

What techniques have you found effective in helping clients work with traumatic memories? Please leave a comment below.

 

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Related Posts: Neuroplasticity, Trauma, Trauma Therapy

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140 Comments

  1. Ingrida Radford, Stress Management, GB says

    I’d like to hear your thoughts on using Havening as a tool to reframe traumatic experiences, as it’s something I am researching.

    Reply
  2. SALIANNE WATSON, Psychology, AU says

    Preoccupation with the moment of death has the capacity to freeze which can be a constraint to contemplating the qualities of their life, their relationship with you, their legacy and therefore potentially block the grieving process

    Reply
  3. Cindy Pelletier, Another Field, CA says

    Compassionate Inquiry

    Reply
  4. S Hill says

    If experiences were lies, face with the truth when remembering.

    Reply
  5. Suzette Hill says

    Where are you? How can I access your services to help?

    Reply
  6. Greg Navarro says

    I find meditation a great method

    Reply
  7. Bernard H Vervin says

    Great resource

    Reply
  8. Janiele says

    Rapid Resolution Therapy developed by Dr. Jon Connelly

    Reply
  9. Ana Paula says

    Dicas muito legais, sem duvidas são muito importantes. Beijinhos

    Reply
  10. Sandra Smith says

    When a bad or painful thought comes to mind, I try to refocus on a good memory or to get a pleasant visual in my mind. Such as looking at the beautiful sky, or think of an image of a colorful bird, picture the face of Jesus who brings peace.
    I also speak healing to every cell in my body, to every memory in every cell. Because our every cell in our body has memory, it’s important to heal at a cellular level. It’s also important to allow oneself to go thru a grieving process. Not to get stuck there, to feel the pain and then release it. Then one can successfully managing good things when the hurtful thoughts come.

    Reply
  11. Laura Brownstone says

    I use EMDR Therapy to help with rewiring. When they are in the body it works better.

    Reply
  12. Cindy Shoemaker says

    allowing them to color or draw or play with play dough, or taking them to the sand tray, and just creating safe space for them to share whatever they want to share. I would love to learn more techniques.

    Reply
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