515 | Peace Realized: Experiential Techniques in Restoration Therapy for Traumatic Memories

A key to growth and hope in treatment is addressing traumatic memory, as these emotional memories are typically the result of more profound violations of identity and safety. The resulting pain and confusion over “who I am” (identity) and “how I am” (safety) can persist throughout life unless appropriately addressed. Deep emotional work, such as that experienced in imagery and interpersonal exchanges, can produce reconsolidation of emotional memory. Restoration Therapy includes this type of work that can integrate new emotional memory into individuals and relationships, thereby introducing peace and “settledness” at a foundational level. In this workshop, psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, and medical professionals will be given descriptions of the three primary experiential techniques Restoration Therapy uses to address emotional memories in a clinical context. Included in these descriptions will be a discussion of how the presence of trauma should limit the types and depth of experiential techniques used. Case examples will also be presented, and a group experience of one of the three experiential techniques will be demonstrated.