The Therapeutic Memory Reconslidation Process in Images

I've always been a visual thinker. When I can see it, it makes more sense to me. And if I can show it to someone else, I know it will make more sense to them as well.

All effective trauma modalities share a common necessary component for healing; that is that they use various techniques to achieve a "healing brain state". To do this, we need to create therapeutic experiences that balance enough activation (distress) with enough regulation (safety). If there is a sense of calm, and no distress, nothing is going to change. Why should it? If the brain feels that all is well, and there is no distress, it can relax, and won't do the heavy lifting of reorganizing and adapting itself. If there is distress but no safety and regulation, they'll stay in a trauma state. The key to a healing brain state is the presence of both, and the balance between the two.

In EMDR, we foster this balance with tools like the safe place exercise and resourcing as needed. Bilateral stimulation (BLS) can contribute to both activation and regulation, depending on how and when it's used, as well as on the client’s unique responses.

In IFS therapy, regulation primarily arises from the 'Self'—the core presence of both the therapist and the client. When parts within the client are blocking this Self energy, we invite them to step back, allowing the Self’s calm and centered energy to lead the process.

As frum Jews, for many of us connecting to Emuna, and feeling the Loving presence of HaShem can help us feel supported and safe. And while we may be experiencing trauma, anxiety or distress, holding that together with a felt sense of Emuna can help us hold a healing brain state.

Whether we call it resourcing, Self energy or Emuna, its availability means the prefrontal cortex is engaged, supporting self-awareness, compassion, and a witnessing stance toward the client’s inner experience, including the distress we aim to process and relieve.

From this resourced state, we can then invite the distress, often held in the subcortical brain, to emerge. When the compassionate, witnessing networks in the prefrontal cortex and the distressed areas of the brain are active together, they can share information, release trauma, and bring healing light and resilience to the places it’s needed most.

When we have regulation, safety or Emuna on it's own, it can look like this:

Or if you're a lucky guy, like this ;-)

Or if you're a woman, it might look like this!

In all of these images, the self or resource isn't connecting with, or even online simultaneously with the distress, so while it might feel good while it lasts, we aren't going to get a healing brain state, and lasting change is unlikely.

In order to get real healing and lasting change, we'll need to have an experience where the strengths of the witnessing mind, self and prefrontal cortex are 'online' at the same time as whatever is causing the trauma, anxiety or distress. I imagine that looking something like this:

The potential for healing already exists within us. By creating a safe space for the mind to acknowledge and show compassion towards the parts of ourselves that are hurting, we open the door to genuine healing. This state, often referred to as dual awareness in certain therapeutic approaches, involves recognizing our adult, self-led capabilities while also being attuned to the sources of pain and discomfort within us.

By doing the therapeutic work involved in this process, by the end of the session, the experience may look and feel more like this:

The younger part that experienced loneliness and distress in the first image is now experiencing being held and cherished. Its natural spark of childhood delight has been reignited. After completing that process, the slide can be safely returned to its storage place in the brain, while retaining the joy, comfort, and support that it experienced in the session. Since our early experiences color our adult experiences, over time, we can heal in ways that will increase our well-being in our daily lives.

Instead of employing the analogy of a vintage projector, envision applying the same principles to the human mind. In this scenario, the prefrontal cortex would illuminate with feelings of security and compassion, casting light on the specific memory or aspect being addressed in therapy. Like this:

After a successful processing session, the mind might look and feel more like this:

Over time in therapy, we have the incredible opportunity to reprocess our formative memories. These memories play a crucial role in shaping our 'internal operating system'. Through healing them, we unlock the powerful sparks of our strengths, creativity, joy, and life-force. By freeing them from the emotional burdens of our past distress, we enable them to lead lives filled with purpose and delight. It's like transforming trash into treasure - what an amazing journey of self-discovery and empowerment!

Self energy engaged with the self led parts can help us life a life in which even mundane tasks, when done mindfully, and with value and purpose can feel meaningful and connected to a greater light:

Our daily lives can take on a new sense of freedom, energy and connection. So that even in our messy moments, we can shine and love.

Therapists interested in delving deeper into Attuned Integrative Reconsolidation with their clients can reach out via email or WhatsApp to stay informed about upcoming courses. A cohort of EMDR therapists is now forming for a training program for this approach.

Shalvila@gmail.com or +972-52-424-2234.

Special thanks to Shlomo Isaacs for his help in introducing me to the wonders and possibilites of creating and editing AI images. 053-485-7085.