Book of the week: Getting Past your past
“The past affects the present even without our being aware of it.”
BOOK:
Getting past your past
Take control of your life with self help techniques from EMDR Therapy
by Francine Shapiro
"Getting Past Your Past" by Francine Shapiro serves as a crucial entry point into the world of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, offering insights into trauma recovery and the complex mechanisms of memory processing.
One of the central themes of "Getting Unstuck" is the exploration of how past experiences become encoded in memory networks. As Shapiro articulates, “the experiences we encountered became encoded in our memory networks and are the basis of how we perceive the world as adults.” This understanding is pivotal, as it highlights the role that past experiences play in shaping our reactions and interactions. Indeed, Shapiro notes:
Nothing exists in a vacuum. Reactions that seem irrational are often exactly that. But irrational doesn’t mean that there is no reason for them. It means that the responses come from a part of our brain that is not governed by the rational mind.
Shapiro goes on to explain how traumatic events may get stuck in our brains, preventing us from fully processing and integrating them into healthy memory networks
Sadly, disturbing experiences… can overwhelm the system. When that happens, the intense emotional and physical disturbance caused by the situation prevents the information processing system from making the internal connections needed to take it to a resolution.
Instead, she says that “the memory of the situation becomes stored in the brain as you experienced it. What you saw and felt, the image, the emotions, the physical sensations and the thoughts become encoded in memory in their original, unprocessed form”
By acknowledging that time alone does not heal all wounds, the book helps readers realize the importance of processing emotional experiences for overall well-being. To this aim, Shapiro introduces the concept of EMDR therapy, which is a method that “targets the unprocessed memories that contain the negative emotions, sensations, and beliefs.” She explains how through EMDR the brain can “digest” these old memories, allowing what is useful to be learned while discarding unhelpful remnants.
“Through EMDR, the original memory is accessed, the connections changed and [the memory] is stored with new modifications in a neurobiological process called “reconsolidation”
Central to the EMDR process is the theory of reconsolidation, in which the original memory is accessed, connections are altered, and then stored again with these new modifications. This neurobiological transformation is similar to what occurs during REM sleep, a natural state where the brain facilitates vital neural connections to form necessary associations:
During REM sleep, the brain allows the appropriate neural connections to make needed associations. The memory is processed and shifted to a more adaptive, usable form. That’s why you can go to bed worried about something but wake up feeling better or with a solution.
REM sleep is crucial because it enables the brain to strengthen the necessary neural connections and form important associations. During this stage, memories are processed and transformed into a more usable format. This is why you might go to bed anxious about a problem but wake up feeling more relaxed or even with a solution. While you might not consciously recognize the insights gained during sleep, these beneficial processes are actively occurring as you rest. This is what the process of EMDR taps into.
Despite some repetition, the practical exercises provided throughout can offer immediate tools for those beginning their self-discovery journey. These exercises are particularly relevant for clients working with therapists and can act as a bridge between their therapy sessions:
• meditate
• exercise
• use your Safe Place
• keep a log of triggers
• do something positive, fun and relaxing
• sleep
• eat with awareness
"Getting Unstuck" is a commendable resource for those stepping into the world of EMDR and trauma recovery. It presents a foundational understanding of how our past affects our present and empowers readers with basic tools to start the healing process. However, while the book is a helpful starting point, it is vital to approach trauma recovery as a collaborative effort, ideally worked on with a trained professional. As Shapiro lays out in her work, understanding and integrating our memories is key, and often, that journey is best undertaken with guidance.
Some of the issues covered in the book include:
• Attachment issues
• Phobias
• Panic Disorder
• Body Image
• ADHD
• Domestic Abuse
• Substance Abuse
• Sexual abuse
Hi, I’m Angelica Magana, LMFT
My own path toward healing led me to explore many different avenues of wellness. Ultimately, I found that there is not one path but, instead, many different instruments for attaining health. For all these reasons, I gravitate towards a holistic approach that nurtures both mental and physical well-being in my practice.
