brain working

Change the memory, change the feelings

Change the memory, change the feelings!

There are some events that may have happened years ago, yet each time we think of them they are as vivid as if they had happened yesterday. This can be a real problem if the memory is a negative one!

Tina had a panic attack while driving to work and hadn’t been able to drive since, because each time she thought about getting into a car she got those horrible panicky feelings again.

For years Robin was badly affected by the memory of himself as a spotty schoolboy being ridiculed by his best friend in front of a couple of girls on his way home in the evening.

Many of us have unhelpful memories that it would be good to defuse so we can move on. Whenever we remember something, we have to recreate it in our minds. Exactly the same parts of the brain that were involved in the original experience are involved in the memory. This is why it seems so real.

Recent brain research has found that making small changes to a memory can make big changes in how we feel about the memory. As soon as you add in some plausible ingredient, the old feelings go.

Tina realised that on the day of the panic attack she had rushed out without eating. She began to imagine what it would have been like if she had stopped off for a snack en route. This changed the memory, and the feelings went.

With the benefit of hindsight Robin imagined disdainfully ignoring his friend and the girls, and walking on by. This felt so much better.

Almost daily, brain research is discovering new ways of dealing with old problems. There is often no need to live with old hurts or debilitating feelings.

Richard Morley is an established clinical hypnotherapist and EMDR practitioner. He is a tutor at the London College of Clinical Hypnosis and a full member of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis. He is a Practitioner of Applied Neuroscience and one of only a few Certificated Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Health Practitioners in the UK. He is a Master Practitioner and Trainer of NLP. He has helped thousands of people from all walks of life become happier, healthier and more productive.

Richard offers sessions at the Equilibrium Health Centre, Lewes. These can be booked through reception on 01273 470955 equilibrium-clinic.com

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    Articles written by experts in their field. Our experts are sharing their knowledge and expertise, however their opinions and ideas may not be the opinions of Wellbeing Magazine. Any article offering advice should be first discussed with their GP before trying any treatments, products or lifestyle changes.