Moss, R. A. (2007). Negative emotional memories in clinical practice: Theoretical considerations. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 17, 209-224. (original) (raw)
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Psychotherapy and Memory ? An Attachment Perspective
British Journal of Psychotherapy, 1996
Early Freudian concepts of memory are contrasted with those of contemporary psychoanalysis. Freud and Breuer's project to`remove the amnesias' has been replaced with a more subtle, context-bound view of memory, in which it is not only facts but their associated affects that need to be retrieved. The attachment-based typology of insecure attachment patterns provides a framework for thinking about memories in psychotherapy, which may be suppressed, overwhelming or unintegrated. Memories are constructions and are therefore inherently unreliable. 'Normal' and traumatic memories are processed, stored and retrieved in different ways. The controversy over recovered memories and the false memory syndrome are reviewed in the light of this argument. Therapeutic implications are discussed.
Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 2019
Despite the role of positive memories in the aetiology and maintenance of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), most PTSD interventions primarily focus on traumatic memories. To aid the development of a PTSD-specific technique focused on processing positive memories, we gathered formative input from practicing clinicians on the content, format, feasibility and acceptability of this proposed intervention technique. We recruited licensed clinicians (n = 46) through professional networks and psychology organisation Listservs, provided a description of a positive memory processing technique, and administered a questionnaire querying perspectives on the proposed technique. Most clinicians reported using positive memories in PTSD therapy (67.39%) and interest in addressing them in depth/frequently (71.74%). They reported that (a) positive memory processing could increase positive thoughts (82.50%), feelings (80%) and memory specificity (75%); (b) optimal intervention components included defining a positive memory as a peak experience (characterised by strong positive affect, a positive and impactful change on one's life, and overwhelming joy/happiness; 57.50%), identifying 1-3 memories (25.64%-33.33%), discussing them in session to elicit positive elements (68.57%-82.86%), tracking affect intensity/valence (57.14%), and using this technique to augment trauma-focused interventions (57.14%); and (c) feasibility indicators included perceived acceptability to clients (80.65%) and clinicians (66.67%), practicality (51.61%), successful implementation considering resources/time (63.33%), ease of learning (51.61%) and positive impact on therapy satisfaction/tolerability (54.84%-58.06%). Taken together, our study provides parameters for the development and investigation of a PTSD-specific positive memory processing technique.
Memories of significant episodes in child psychotherapy: An autobiographical memory approach
Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 2006
In this study, child psychotherapists (N ¼ 31) were asked to retrieve emotionally valenced therapy episodes by using an autobiographical memory approach, with cue words to elicit specific therapy episodes (e.g. irritated, ashamed, loving, and elated). One group of teachers for the disabled (N ¼ 10) and one group of music therapists (N ¼ 9) were also tested and served as comparison groups. Results showed that all participants were able to retrieve memories of episodes. When asked to rate each memory, negative memories were returned to less often, and overall positive memories were rated as more easy to recall and more vivid. Memories derived from positive cue words were also judged to have a more positive compared with negative importance for outcome. Surprisingly, memories derived from the cue word irritated were seen as having more positive than negative importance for outcome. Finally, we checked memory specificity for each memory derived. A high degree of specificity was found overall (72-88%). In conclusion, cue words might be a useful way to generate specific memories of therapy episodes in future research.
“Recovered-memory” therapy: Profession at a turning point
Comprehensive Psychiatry, 1998
Six hundred Massachusetts-registered psychiatrists were surveyed for their opinions on items plausibly related to the production of false memories of childhood sexual abuse. One hundred fifty-four psychiatrists completed the written questionnaire. A majority of respondents (69%) endorsed the following statement: "The numbers of false accusations of childhood sexual abuse, appearing to emerge from the psychotherapy of adults, constitute a real problem needing public acknowledgment as such by the mental health professions." Nevertheless, a substantial minority endorsed the following practices: 37% endorsed searching for childhood roots of presenting complaints; 36% endorsed validation (expressed belief) of the patient's memories as an essential part of therapy; 36% believed in appropriateness of affect as an indicator of truth in memories; 36% believed in the therapeutic
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, 2018
After reactivation, a previously consolidated memory can enter into a labile state followed by a re-stabilization process defined as reconsolidation. The aim of this study was to explore whether an existing negative autobiographical memory can be modified by using a non-invasive interference (audiovisual positive preparation) after reactivation and to determine if this effect could be dependent on the reconsolidation process. We found that the presentation of a positive inductor after a negative autobiographical memory reactivation may lead to a change in the emotional information of the original trace and that such effect can be mediated by the reconsolidation process. The modification of the memory has been shown in women only. These results suggest that a positive audiovisual induction may play a potential role in psychotherapeutic techniques for the modification of dysfunctional autobiographical memories.
Emotions and Memory - A New Method For Healing From Trauma (Psychotherapy) - Draft form
2024
Support my work: https://buy.stripe.com/cN24jE2Qvfum10ceUV A reflection on how the emotion system works in terms of its association with memory and the deeper survival/replication system. I posit that to overcome trauma - which I view as strong memories that store strong negative emotions - a person must dissolve these memories and create new ones. I lay out my perspective on how the emotional system works, how it is different from other systems which are under our direct control such as speaking and movement. This work is currently theoretical, and I've yet to test it with clients or myself even. Though it does seem sound. And I will soon apply it to my therapy work.
Recovered Memories Annual Reviewof Clinical Psychology2006
■ Abstract The issues surrounding repressed, recovered, or false memories have sparked one of the greatest controversies in the mental health profession in the twentieth century. We review evidence concerning the existence of the repression and recovery of autobiographical memories of traumatic events and research on the development of false autobiographical memories, how specific therapeutic procedures can lead to false memories, and individual vulnerability to resisting false memories. These findings have implications for therapeutic practice, for forensic practice, for research and training in psychology, and for public policy.
Psychological dynamics affecting traumatic memories: Implications in psychotherapy
Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 2005
The search to understand response to trauma has turned to the contribution of personality factors. The way people process the stressor event is critical in determining whether a trauma will be configured or not. Neuroscience shows that the brain does not store memories, but traces of information that are later used to create memories, which do not always express a completely factual picture of the past experience. Whenever an event is retrieved, it may undergo a cognitive and emotional change. Psychological dynamics -emotional interpretative tendency that affects the internal dialogue related to a meaningful event -may influence the development of positive or negative outcomes after stressor events. We postulate that therapists must see beyond the traumatic event itself and work with the internal dialogues that maintain the pathological relationship with the past episode. Thus, they may better treat traumatized patients by therapeutically rebuilding the memory. A brief clinical case is presented to show how exposure-based and cognitive restructuring therapy may help trauma victims experience psychological growth from their negative experiences, by fostering healthy psychological dynamics.