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(JD) · Oct 13, 2008, 10:08 AM

Distraction does work. But sometimes you need to just sit with the memories for a bit. You don't have to work on them, if you aren't up to it. In fact, I would suggest not working on memories like these, but save therapy work for the therapy session.

Give any memory a few moments or minutes of direct attention, and then tell yourself, ok, back on the shelf I have other things to do. That validates the memory but doesn't allow it to take over your life. Everytime it comes back to the forefront of your thinking, tell yourself, no, I already gave you time today, go back to the shelf (or wherever you put them.)
Find a task that requires full focus...such as a computer game you enjoy. I say enjoy because you will be more motivated to tell yourself to focus so you can win it.
Some people do yard work which they enjoy, others play piano etc. But the thought-stopping is key to any diversion working because the memory will try to stay on your thoughts.
This is a part of healing, the brain trying to refile those memories that never were filed correctly due to trauma.