Trauma can become part of our lives, whether we like it or not. It can be part of our lives even if we can’t fully remember it. You might be struggling with memories that you can’t unfold, with body reactions that are inexplicable to you. My name is Jen Stuart and, in today’s post, we will learn how Trauma Sensitive Yoga can help you unlock repressed memories stored in the body.

What is a repressed memory?

A repressed memory is a memory of an over stressful event that people buried in their unconscious to protect themselves. The pain from dealing with the actual event is so big and it’s so difficult to cope with it, that the memories from the experience are inaccessible, until they spontaneously reappear or give hints of their presence. 

There is great controversy when it comes to repressed memories during early stages of life. One specific study became the centre of attention in the ’90s. It was the case of Jane Doe, an alias given by the psychiatrist David Corwin to protect the real protagonist of the study, Nicole Kluemper. His study accredited the existence of repressed memories of abuse during developmental stages that could be regained during adulthood. Professor Elizabeth Loftus conducted her own research, refuting Corwin’s findings.

The debate to determine if repressed memories should be backed scientifically or not is relevant, but I’m here to tell you that, if you feel wounded, you have the right to healing. What do we know about repressed memories? They are caused due to a dissociative disorder. When you go through a traumatic experience, the last place you want to be at in that specific moment can be within your own body. This is why disembodiment can be common with repressed memories.  A protective mechanism can be to to dissociate from your physical body and from your consciousness. Yoga for Trauma is to re-embody. Bring that connection back.

Once the over stressful experience has finalised, you are left with the aftermath: an unliked body and mind. You might perceive something is wrong, without being able to put your finger on it. Memories stored in the body can come out in different ways. For example, allergies, intolerances, physical pain, etc. Some people opt to deal with repressed memories by burying them even deeper, to avoid all the negative and discomforting feelings; but I want you to know that there is a safe way to unlock repressed memories to improve your well-being.

 How to unlock repressed memories

Therapy seems to be a good resource to unlock repressed childhood memories, but one of the main objections made by the psychologist Elizabeth F. Loftus against the validity of repressed memories is that therapists bias can come into treatment, and that could influence their patients and lead them to think they possess memories that aren’t truly their own.

Another technique used to get repressed memories back is hypnosis. It induces the person to an altered state of consciousness, where they can explore hidden corners of their psyches. But this is also a vulnerable stage of the mind, that lets a door open to suggestion and fantasy. It’s difficult to differentiate a real memory from an over-aroused imagination during hypnosis. 

How can you unlock repressed memories with Yoga for Trauma?

Since repressed memories are the result of dissociation, to unlock them you need to reconnect your body and mind. Trauma Sensitive Yoga is a practice that offers physical and emotional benefits. It focuses on the relationship between the body and mind, teaching you to be present in your body after having disengaged from it to avoid dealing with the trauma. 

One of the techniques that Trauma Sensitive Yoga employs to help you reconnect with the past you have forgotten, gently and assertively, is mindfulness. While concentration meditation can lead some people to extend their degree of dissociation to execute the exercise, mindfulness emphasises self-awareness and stimulates inner perception. 

People become present in their bodies, recognising each of their physical sensations, moment to moment, linking them to the memories that they can recall. Mindfulness allows you to get closer to yourself and your experience with trauma, without prejudices, fully aware that your present moment is not unsafe, but that you are in a safe space.

Yoga for Trauma empowers you. It gives you back your decision-making authority by giving you choice. And, from this choice, being able to take effective action and check in with yourself. There are no expectations of you. This is your practice, an opportunity to learn to listen to your body. The teacher holds space for you to safely and gently navigate your way through the Yoga for Trauma practice.

If you feel that Trauma Sensitive Yoga might be something to explore please feel free to reach out. Know that this is part of your journey. Moving away from discomfort and into comfort. Through techniques such as somatic experiencing, clients can learn to trust their bodies and create a safe space to go back to after they allow themselves to experience the sensations associated with the trauma. They become able to soothe their bodies and minds and leave a state of agitation to enter a state of calmness.

If you are emotionally wounded and unable to understand why you are struggling, or if you need help to move on from trauma, please visit Journey with Jen and let me accompany you through your healing process.