By:  Sarah Smith-Trawick, LCSW-C

EMDRIA Approved Consultant 

Memory and Trauma: How Our Minds Store and Process Painful Experiences

Memory is a fundamental aspect of human cognition, shaping our identities and guiding our actions. However, when traumatic events occur, memory processes can become disrupted, leading to complex psychological and physiological responses. Trauma affects not only the way memories are stored and recalled but also overall mental clarity, often resulting in confusion, cognitive fog, and difficulties with focus and decision-making. Understanding these effects provides insights into conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and highlights potential pathways for healing.

The Science of Memory and Trauma

Memory is generally divided into three main types: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Long-term memory can further be categorized into explicit (conscious) and implicit (unconscious) memory. Traumatic experiences tend t...