Distracting/disrupting the working memory when trying to reduce past trauma

When pulling up past stress or trauma into your working memory and then having someone distract you or give you another task to try to focus on, the process can be connected to the concept of memory reconsolidation. This technique is often used in therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and can help reduce the impact of traumatic memories. Here's a simplified explanation of how it works:

1. Memory Reconsolidation:

Memory reconsolidation is a process by which existing memories are brought back into our conscious awareness and then re-stored in the brain with potential modifications. When a memory is recalled, it becomes temporarily malleable, which means it can be modified before being stored again.

2. Working Memory and Distraction/Disruption:

When you pull up a past stressful or traumatic memory into your working memory, it becomes active and accessible to your conscious mind. At this moment, the memory is vulnerable to change. Introducing a distraction or disruption during this time can temporarily disrupt the consolidation of the memory, making it less emotionally charged.

3. Reducing Emotional Impact:

By combining the act of recalling the memory with a distraction, the emotional charge associated with the traumatic memory can be weakened. This can help you see the memory from a more detached perspective, which can gradually reduce the emotional intensity and power it holds over you.

4. EMDR and Memory Reprocessing:

EMDR, as mentioned earlier, is a therapeutic approach that incorporates the concept of memory reconsolidation. During EMDR sessions, bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements) serves as the distraction while the individual recalls distressing memories. This helps facilitate the reprocessing of the memories, making them less distressing over time.

By intentionally revisiting past stress or trauma and then allowing yourself to be distracted, you create an opportunity for your brain to reevaluate and update the way these memories are stored. This process can lead to a gradual reduction in the emotional impact of those memories, allowing you to heal and move forward in a healthier way.

It's important to note that this approach may not be suitable for everyone, and seeking guidance from a qualified mental health professional, especially one experienced in techniques like EMDR, is crucial to ensure a safe and effective process for dealing with past stress or trauma.