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Managing traumatic memories
SAID ALOUD
Managing traumatic memories
Aim. To show symbolically, using visual tools, how a person can be helped to identify, manage and eventually weaken traumatic memories.
Trainer. What replies did the Butterfly Woman receive from the helper?“ I see that you suffer. I know this is so difficult. I know that all your reactions are natural and that what happened to you is abnormal and insane. You are a survivor, standing here in front of me! I see you and I listen to you and I know there is a way out. I can show you a way out!”
PART II: THE TRAINING
[ The Trainer points to Figure 3, the Butterfly Woman immediately after the trauma, and Figure 4, the Butterfly Woman experiences triggers and flashbacks some time after the trauma.]
When you are the helper, you can ask a survivor whether she recognises herself in the Butterfly Woman. You can help her to see and understand that the Butterfly Woman is behaving in a manner that is normal and can be expected in this situation.
[ The Trainer draws Figure 5, the Butterfly Woman gradually healing, and adds an antenna to the left side of the Butterfly Woman’ s head.]
When the Butterfly Woman makes contact with even the smallest good memory, she will gain strength. If we search actively and find old resources and new resources, we build our strength, here and now. It is important to focus on such resources to build mental and physical strength. The strength that we build is like an inner wall inside us that protects us from trauma-memories and helps us to control them when they are wakened or aroused( triggered).
[ The Trainer focuses on the Butterfly Woman’ s body, and draws a line between her body and the wing that carries her trauma memories.]
Trauma memories are wakened through the senses and it is through the senses – of smell, touch, hearing, taste, and sight – that we can recover our strength and restore our ability to live now, in the present, and experience being safe again.
[ The Trainer draws a second antenna, on the right.]
The Butterfly Woman must grow new memories that stretch into the future. To build new hope, she must recall her old plans and longings, and find new dreams.
[ The Trainer notes these points on the body as she speaks. She marks safe ground under the Butterfly Woman’ s feet.]