Healing Trauma

How Do You Erase or Change Memories?

Jun 3, 2024

Exploring the science and philosophy behind altering traumatic memories, discussing therapeutic approaches like memory reconsolidation and the limitations of methods like extinction. Emphasizing the importance of embracing memories rather than avoiding them, and the transformative power of memory reconciliation in healing past traumas

35:16

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Quick takeaways

Memory reconsolidation aims to change emotional impact of traumatic memories through synapse reorganization.

Exposure methods for traumatic memories are less effective compared to memory reconciliation's focus on beliefs and emotions.

Deep dives

Memory Reconciliation: Rewiring Trauma Neural Networks

Memory reconciliation involves rewiring the trauma neural network by reorganizing synapses at the synaptic level. This process aims to change the overwhelming emotions, memories, and physical sensations associated with trauma. It allows for the destabilization of synapses, followed by creating a mismatch or corrective experience. Through erasure and revising, the emotional significance of the memory is altered, leading to changed beliefs and reduced distress.

Changing Your Relationship to Distressing Memories

01:03

Introduction

3min

Embracing Memories: A Path to Healing

5min

Memory Manipulation: Extinction vs. Reconsolidation

7min

Rewiring Traumatic Memories through Memory Reconciliation

18min

Methods for Transforming Traumatic Memories

2min

In this episode, we tackle a common and heart-wrenching question from trauma survivors: "How can I erase painful memories?" We dive into the science and philosophy behind memory alteration, exploring the natural instinct to avoid distressing memories and the consequences of such avoidance. We discuss therapeutic approaches like memory reconsolidation, which aims to change the emotional impact of traumatic memories, and the limitations of methods like extinction. With references to experts like Joseph LeDoux and Steve Hayes, we offer insights into the complexities of healing from trauma.