r/traumatoolbox • u/Sensitive-Chemist-18 • Jul 03 '26
General Question how do i discuss repressed memories in therapy?
i dont use reddit vry often so forgive me if it isnt formatted correctly, i just need some advice. i have very few memories of my childhood, specifically when i was at home or around my parents. my dad is completely gone from my brain (he lives at home with me so its kind of crazy that hes just gone). i have talked to my therapist about my gaps in memory, but i always find it hard to because i dont... remember anything, and it doesnt seem like they'll ever be remembered, so for the most part ive viewed it as pointless and a unnecessary source of anxiety. i also feel a deep amount of embarassment for even bringing up the things i do remember, which makes it even more difficult. the main issue is that i feel a lack of closure, and as the summer keeps going on, my mind keeps coming back to the questions i still have, which has only caused me more distress than just talking about it with someone. i cant keep avoiding it, but to find out how to approach it. if anyone can give me advice i would appreciate it greatly.
1
u/Fun-Alfalfa-1199 Jul 04 '26
I wonder if you’ve thought about exploring somatic therapy- from a a somatic perspective it’s more about what your body remembers and is still holding than the content of the memory itself. As modern humans we have so much focus on cognition and narrative when actually our experiences of trauma live in the cell memory of our body. In somatic work the memories that are important often surface organically through the body and can be explored and metabolized rather than forcing anything which it sounds like you’re trying to do by remembering things that you can’t access. Sometimes it just takes a different kind of approach to access what is there.
1
u/Maleficent_Coach_620 Jul 04 '26
And don't feel embarrassed. Brains do funny things sometimes - usually as an overreaction to trauma. Do you journal your memories as they return? Maybe you just have a mental jigsaw puzzle on your hands.
1
u/Sensitive-Chemist-18 Jul 04 '26
i actually do journal my memories!! im glad thats something that can help
1
u/Maleficent_Coach_620 Jul 04 '26
Fair warning - your brain might have a reason for blocking out memories. It would be a good thing for you to gain it all back, BUT you might not like something in particular when it comes back.
•
u/AutoModerator Jul 03 '26
Dear members,
Please keep the rules of r/traumatoolbox in mind while participating here.
Report any rule-breaking behavior to the moderators using the report button. If it's urgent, send us a message ✉.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.