Flashbacks which are normal, are recollections from the past. They may be pictures, sounds, smells or feelings or the the lack of them (a kind of numbness). Unless we deal with them effectively as they arise, flashbacks can cause us to feel trapped, powerless, and/or out of control. We may feel at the mercy of our experiences. This need not happen with the following techniques.
Voluntarily, bring on a pleasant flashback – We’ve all got a wonderful collection of fond or happy memories from the past, whether these come from early childhood, teenage years, or more recently.
This is a good opportunity to prove you’re in control, at will. Bring on one of these pleasant flashbacks by a particular sight, memory, smell, taste or sensation.
By doing this for ourselves, we’re more able to describe its benefits and teach it to others.
How to use for best results –“horses for courses” applies. Some might find one tool or technique helpful, others will experiment with another that proves helpful. All are available to try and it’s often about finding “what works”.
*Reprinted with permission 2020 @wiley-blackwell @johnhenden @beatingcombatstress
