Emotions and memories are
stored in the body. We can try to forget, we can
try to put it all behind us, but our bodies won't let us
get away with that. This does not mean we need to
sit and retell horrific stories repeatedly, rehashing painful
details. However, it does mean that integration and
processing needs to happen somehow in order for healing
to take place. I feel it's important not to push
someone into talking about something they're not feeling
ready to talk about, and that starting where someone is,
right in the present moment is usually the best place to
start. We can work on healing the past in the present
moment, on creating a sense of stability and safety right
now. Since traumatic memories are stored in primitive
parts of the brain inaccessible by verbal language, it
is often important for people to incorporate some form
of non-verbal technique such as expressive therapies or
body-based therapies in conjunction with the talk therapy. This
can help facilitate the healing process and increase the
ability to create a feeling of safety in the present.
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