Unlocking the Power of Memory Reconsolidation with Resource Therapy

Broken brain or faulty Memory that needs rewiring. Resource Therapy offers Memory Reconsolidation Photo by That's Her Business on Unsplash

Applying Neuroscience Advances in Psychotherapy.

In the realm of psychotherapy, innovative approaches continuously emerge, promising more profound healing and lasting change. Among these, Resource Therapy stands out as a particularly effective modality, especially when understood through the lens of the latest neuroscience research on memory consolidation.

Let’s explore Resource Therapy and what I call the Empowerment Protocol as to how to apply these neuroscientific insights to facilitate deep psychological healing.

Understanding Memory Reconsolidation

Memory reconsolidation, a groundbreaking concept in neuroscience, refers to the process by which recalled memories become malleable and can be altered before being stored again. This process underscores the brain’s adaptability and its capacity for profound change, suggesting that when we recall a memory, especially a traumatic one, it’s possible to modify the memory before it’s reconsolidated, potentially diminishing its emotional impact. (Alberini & Ledoux, 2013).

Research indicates emotional memory has an association with many emotional disorders – PTSD, Depression Anxiety, and Addictions. (Brewin, 2011; Williams, et al. 2007) This offers therapists insightful implications in the psychological treatment of these pervasive and debilitating conditions which are substantially on the rise globally. (Schwabe, L., Nader, K., & Pruessner, J. C. (2014).

The Intersection of Resource Therapy and Neuroscience

Founded on the premise that our personality is composed of various parts, each with its own role and emotions, Resource Therapy taps into the principles of memory consolidation for lasting results.

Resource Therapy guides individuals to engage with specific personality parts associated with distressing memories. By safely accessing and expressing these parts with a Resource Therapy’s therapeutic setting, utilizing the Empowerment protocol, clients can revisit painful memories, reprocess, and adapt them, creating a new relationship with past trauma.

The Steps of Memory Reconsolidation in Resource Therapy

The integration of memory reconsolidation in Resource Therapy unfolds in several stages:

  1. Activation of the Memory: Identifying and activating the memory part that harbours distress, making the memory accessible and amenable to change.
  2. Integration of New Learning: Introducing new, positive experiences or perspectives to challenge the original narrative associated with the memory.
  3. Consolidation for Change: Integrating these new insights allows the client’s psyche to reconsolidate the memory with a healthier, more adaptive outlook, fundamentally altering the emotional impact of the original memory.

What that looks like in Practice – the Empowerment Protocol

Clinically trained Resource Therapists work with the part of the personality directly, we use a process called Vivify Specific. A fantastic way to talk to the part desiring change.

  1. Diagnose the Disturbance: As psychotherapists, we understand the presenting issue of fear or rejection almost always has its roots in childhood. The RT term for these parts holding unwanted emotion is Vaded. Resource Therapy (RT) Action 1 tells us what direction we will take in the therapy, perfectly guiding us with a therapeutic road map.
  2. Bridging: As opposed to accessing a cognitive memory, by thinking about the issue. Resource Therapists are trained to isolate a somatic sensory experience memory (SEM) (Emmerson, 2014). Once this part is out on deck, we bridge to the unhappy or traumatic event.
  3. Empowerment Phase for Reconsolidation: This is invariably a childhood scene. We then deploy RT Actions 4, 5, 6 (if necessary), 7 of the Empowerment Protocol. Here the therapist actively facilitates the child’s state to have a voice, and get its needs met from another internal resource.

Clinical Implications and Benefits

Leveraging memory reconsolidation within Resource Therapy offers a pathway to significantly reduce emotional distress and promote lasting mental health improvements, facilitating a deep, structural neurobiological change in how distressing memories are perceived and felt, leading to transformative healing.

Resource Therapy is a game-changer. With the Empowerment Protocol, we are potentially repairing attachment wounding at its source.

Parting Thoughts

The innovative integration of neuroscience and Resource Therapy opens new avenues for addressing psychological issues, providing a potent tool for therapists and clients alike, aiming for not just symptomatic relief but genuine, enduring change.

Using neuroscience, we can rewire our brains, effectively changing our minds.

With memory reconsolidation our part’s old hurts and harms are reprocessed gently with compassion and respect, creating a new future and a different relationship to the past. We are free to have the best part out on deck, to suit the occasion with the skills and ability to live life according to our values.

Learn how Resource Therapy uses neuroscience to change your mind with memory reconsolidation - psychotherapy evidence based treatments Photo by Bret Kavanaugh on Unsplash

Be the Captain of your ship navigating life’s journey, chart a course for freedom today.

Come and join us at our next Clinical Training to discover the power of parts therapy!

Visit our Training Program page here.

References

Alberini, C. M., & Ledoux, J. E. (2013). Memory reconsolidation. Current biology : CB, 23(17), R746–R750. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2013.06.046

Brewin C. R. (2011). The nature and significance of memory disturbance in posttraumatic stress disorder. Annual review of clinical psychology, 7, 203–227. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-032210-104544

Emmerson. G. E, (2014). Resource Therapy Primer. Blackwood. Old Golden Point Road. – Here are Gordon’s books

Schwabe, L., Nader, K., & Pruessner, J. C. (2014). Reconsolidation of human memory: brain mechanisms and clinical relevance. Biological psychiatry, 76(4), 274–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.03.008

Williams, J. M., Barnhofer, T., Crane, C., Herman, D., Raes, F., Watkins, E., & Dalgleish, T. (2007). Autobiographical memory specificity and emotional disorder. Psychological bulletin, 133(1), 122–148. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.133.1.122

The Super Circle Supervision Consultation Groups

Join the Resource Therapy Global Community, with your friendly part.

As part of our learning support and commitment to Resource Therapists post-training, we offer a community group for all Resource Therapists. From the newbie to the veteran. It’s great to connect, especially for those of us in private practice – it can be lonely.

You don’t have to have trained with us to join in. These are fun and friendly and for you to ask your questions and share your wins and worries.

Two convenient times allow for those in Europe to attend and the Northern Hemisphere. We love connecting, caring is sharing.

Mondays 3-5 pm Sydney Time Zone

  • February 19
  • March 6 Wednesday 5.15-7pm
  • April 22
  • May 20
  • June Bali Come on over and join us!
  • July 29
  • August 19
  • September 30
  • October 28
  • November 18
  • December 9

Fridays 9.30 -11.30 Am Sydney

  • February 16
  • March 8 not not the 15th
  • April 19
  • May 17
  • June Bali Come on over and join us!
  • July 26
  • August 16
  • September 20
  • October 25
  • November 15
  • December 13

Dates are firm at this point, and I will let you know if there are any changes as life happens.

Parts Therapy learning online is a great way to connect with other parts therapists

February ThemeRT Action 2 – Vivify Specific. Such a wonderful and powerful Resource Therapy technique. Come and play with us!

The idea will be to have a theme for the month and set aside practice time in break-out rooms, as well as case discussion and support.

Please email me for your Zoom link and more information.

Thanks and have a beautiful and refreshing rest of January.

Philipa.

Welcome to 2024: A Year of Transformation and Growth with Resource Therapy

Philipa and Chris from Resource Therapy saying a hello and welcome to the new year

As we step into the fresh canvas of 2024, January almost over, who can believe it?

We, Philipa and Chris, extend our warmest greetings to each of you in our Resource Therapy community. The journey we’ve embarked upon together in understanding and harnessing the power of Resource Therapy has been nothing short of remarkable. As we continue to grow and evolve, both personally and professionally, we want to share our vision for this promising year.

Embracing Change with Courage and Curiosity

Change is the only constant, and 2024 is a year to embrace it with open arms. In our work as therapists and trainers, we’ve witnessed firsthand how change, though daunting, can lead to incredible growth and transformation. We encourage you to approach this year with courage and curiosity. Let’s challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zones, whether it’s in trying new therapy techniques, exploring different aspects of our personalities, or simply being more open to the unexpected twists and turns of life.

Deepening Our Understanding of the Self

Resource Therapy, founded by Professor Gordon Emmerson, offers a unique window into the many parts of our personality. This year, we aim to delve deeper into understanding these parts in ourselves and our clients. The journey of self-discovery is endless and endlessly fascinating. Let’s make 2024 a year when we prioritise this exploration, bringing us closer to our truest selves and enhancing our ability to assist others in their journeys.

Expanding Our Reach and Impact

Our vision for 2024 includes expanding the reach of Resource Therapy. We believe in the transformative power of this therapy and are committed to making it more accessible to therapists and clients worldwide.

Through online and in-person training, retreats, and workshops, we aim to equip more professionals with the tools they need to help their clients navigate anxiety, trauma, depression, and more. Let’s work together to foster a global community of healing and support.

Save the date as we head into our first Resource Therapy International Official meeting for the year, we can let you know there’s a world congress being planned. Save the date mid year 2025. Watch this space.

Nurturing Balance and Wellness

As we continue to navigate the complexities of our work, it’s crucial to maintain a sense of harmony in our lives. This year, let’s commit to nurturing our well-being, both physically and emotionally. Whether it’s through practices like yoga and Argentine Tango, as we enjoy, or any other form of self-care that resonates with you, remember that taking care of yourself is paramount. A well-balanced therapist is more effective and can provide a safe and nurturing space for clients.

Celebrating Each Step Forward

Every small step in our journey is worth celebrating. Whether it’s a breakthrough with a client, mastering a new aspect of Resource Therapy, or simply finding more joy in our daily work, let’s take the time to acknowledge and celebrate these moments. They are the milestones that mark our progress and fuel our passion for what we do.

As we embark on this new year together, let’s hold onto the spirit of collaboration, learning, and growth. Here’s to a transformative and fulfilling 2024 for all of us in the Resource Therapy community!

With warmth and encouragement, Philipa and Chris

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