78 Managing traumatic memories
TO THE TRAINER
PART II: THE TRAINING
Managing traumatic memories
Aim. To show symbolically, using visual tools, how a person can be helped to identify, manage and eventually weaken traumatic memories.
The following sections describe how helpers can stabilise a survivor – by bringing her into the here and now, within her window of tolerance. They energise her when she is under-active and lower her agitation when she is over-energised by bad feelings, thoughts and memories.
TEACHING INSTRUCTION.
We suggest that you add antennae to the Butterfly Woman to symbolise visually how people receive and store information. This symbol is likely to be acceptable in many contexts. It is up to you to decide whether the antennae and wings are appropriate for the group you are working with. Choose whatever visual references are most appropriate for the context.
Figure 3. The Butterfly Woman Immediately after the trauma.
Figure 4. The Butterfly Woman Experiences triggers and flashbacks some time after the trauma.
Figure 5. The Butterfly Woman Gradually healing.