Recollecting memories varies from person to person (Sanderson, 2013, p. 194). After a traumatic event, many of the memories are distorted and fragmented. According to Chu (2011), specific components of our traumatic experiences can be misremembered. False memories or pseudo memories are recollections of an event that never occur. Chu (2011) describes this phenomenon as contagion. According to Chu (2011), contagion is the process through which people unintentionally acquire the autobiographical narratives of others as their narratives.
Traumatic memories are different from ordinary memories in that they are overwhelming and difficult to express. These memories are processed and stored differently than typical memories. Unlike narrative memories, which are integrative and changeable (time-stamped) and fit into the individual’s particular cognitive schemas, traumatic memories are rigid, non-narrative, and detached from everyday experience (Chu, 2011). Because of the negative symptoms these traumatic experiences evoke, they may sometimes cause the individual to suppress unbearable thoughts and emotions via repression, a hypothetical, unconscious process through which unwanted (often trauma-related) thoughts and feelings are kept out of conscious consciousness (Friedman, 2015).
Recovered memory therapy is intended to elicit and examine probable sexual abuse in patients who have no recollection of such events (Chu, 2011). Chu (2011) adds that this technique is inadequate as it prioritizes a therapist’s unique belief system. I agree with his statement of being an inefficient mode of therapy. I have experienced this phenomenon with my niece and my sister. As an adult, my niece sought treatment for her difficulties dealing with my sister’s ex-husband; during the therapy, she uncovered alleged memories of abuse. The therapist encouraged my niece to confront her alleged perpetrator via letters; due to these false unresolved memories, my niece has developed resentment towards my sister, and their relationship has been shattered. It is heartbreaking to see them interact.
I encourage every survivor of trauma to seek healing. One of the biggest lessons I got from one of my clients was, “the score will never be even.” She stated, “Mara, no amount of punishment will be sufficient.” I have learned from all my clients that seeking closure never brings healing. My devotional today is a great fit for those in the process of healing “Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him (King James Bible, 1769/2017). I fully believe there is a blessing for those who trust every area of their lives to the Lord and that only He can heal the memories we want to forget.
Francine Shapiro discovered EMDR, an eight-phase therapeutic technique, in 1989. EMDR is a systematic method that uses past, present and future patterns. Many parts of the traumatic visuals, ideas, physical sensations, and emotions related to the traumatic memory are processed by EMDR. The client’s dual attention focuses on unpleasant memories while also on bilateral stimulation (BLS). The individual can assimilate new knowledge after processing the overwhelming content.
EMDR is a great therapy; however, it is not appropriate for all clients. One of the benefits and drawbacks is that the client’s mind is doing all the work. Clients can stop at any point if they feel it is too overwhelming. Another potential drawback of this therapy is that this evidence-based approach requires substantial training from the therapists. EMDR can also be costly if the client does not have medical insurance.
References
Chu, J. A. (2011). Rebuilding shattered lives: Treating complex PTSD and dissociative disorders (Second ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
Friedman, M. J. (2015). Posttraumatic and acute stress disorders (Sixth ed.). Springer.
King James Bible. (2017). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 1769)
Sanderson, C. (2013). Counseling skills for working with trauma: Healing from child sexual abuse, sexual violence, and domestic abuse. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
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