A Memory Network in a Nutshell
The impact of a memory network: Do you ever wonder why a smell, song, or other sensory cue may remind you of a time, place, person or experience? It can be wonderful when positive memories are elicited, but when the memories are negative or traumatic, it can send a person into a state of anxiety or panic as they try to avoid the negative wave of emotions that comes with the cue.
The manner in which memories are stored in the brain is explained in the book, The Developing Mind, by Daniel Siegel. He explains that for every experience, we have a vast array of neuronal networks that fire. These neuronal firings are related to information about all of the aspects of that experience such as images, sounds, smells, taste, beliefs, emotions, and other experiences that are taking place at that time in one’s life. Furthermore, when these neuronal networks fire together, they “wire together” increasing the probability that the same network will fire again thus creating a memory network.
Take for example how children learn. When a child learns to read, they may be shown the letters C-A-T. They learn that it spells cat, what “cat” sounds like when read aloud, and that the word represents what a cat looks like. They also are taught that cats purr, they are furry, soft and make a sound that is like a “meow.” All of those pieces of information, and more, are coded together in a memory network. Later, the child is able to hear a purring sound and associate that with a cat, or read the word “cat” and come up with an associated image that is of a cat. The memory network has wired together, and when you tap into one aspect of it, other aspects come with it.
Likewise, with our other memories, even with traumatic memories, tapping into just one aspect of the memory often brings with it many more sensory pieces of information such as the smell of perfume reminding us of a loved one. These reminders can be good and very adaptive and supportive in nature, or in other cases, these reminders can be traumatic, negative and maladaptive in nature. The ensuing responses to the memories are added to the network, creating a pattern of behavior that may or may not be productive.
Often the work of therapy is to help clients manage negative emotions and behaviors that are elicited by various external cues and the accessing of maladaptive networks. EMDR therapy works to provide healing on a neuropsychological level. Through the work of this therapy, a synthesis occurs between both the negative, maladaptive memory network, and other positive, adaptive networks, providing catharsis and improved emotional, somatic and behavioral responses. The result is that not only do one’s thoughts and perspectives evolve, but, so too do the felt disturbances elicited by various cues and triggers.
If you or someone you know has questions about EMDR therapy, speak with a qualified EMDR clinician.
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