When something happens that the brain decides is unsafe it stores every aspect of the memory—images, smells, tastes, touch, sounds, thoughts, body sensations etc. Should one of these present themselves in any context the tentacles (sensory receptors) activate the memory making the person feel like it’s happening now. This creates the sensation of being unsafe now.

The tricky part is, oftentimes, we aren’t aware that the old memory has been activated in the present. We think whatever is happening now is the problem.

Without the awareness of where it’s coming from—and these tentacles activating our old memories over and over—we go through life feeling defective when the truth is our brains are doing exactly what they are designed to do.

There are therapies that help deactivate those tentacles attached to the unsafe memories, put them to rest and let us live in today without the triggers. Our world can become a safer one.

Copyright © 2021 Chelsey Fjeldheim, Courage Speaks Counseling