View Single Post
 
Old Mar 20, 2011, 06:16 PM
Anonymous32438
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Quote:
Originally Posted by Squiggle328 View Post
Can I trust my memory? Does it matter if I don't get all the details just right?
I have 'remembered' SA that never took place. The 'remembering' happened while I was in an inpatient unit receiving intense 'therapy' (from an unqualified therapist) and where the contingencies were very badly managed (you were only worthy of attention if terrible things had happened to you). The 'remembering' really felt like remembering. Nightmares. Seeing it all happen. Writing page after page of detailed description. And it's as if the rehearsal of it all actually created memories, because even now when I go to the place where I alleged it happened, I see it in flashes.

I think you're asking the right question- does it matter if the details are accurate? You know that you were abused- you told your parents at the time. Fortunately Ts- and patients- are much more aware of the risks of false memories than they were 14 years ago when I was treated. You say that your T is not suggesting anything. At the time, for me and my family, it mattered very much indeed whether it was true, because the allegations were used to remove me from my family and ruin family members. What are you remembering for? For you, as an adult trying to make sense of your life and find a way to live well, perhaps accuracy is less important. Perhaps what matters is the emotional truth, and the theme of what you're remembering- if that's in line with what you know is true?

Good luck. This sounds so hard
Thanks for this!
Suratji