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(JD) · Nov 12, 2008, 04:33 PM

When someone experiences trauma, the brain chemicals that allow for memories to be stored is disrupted some how. Normally, the brain does file a memory accurately. It takes it and puts it "on the shelf" (or in a folder, or a box) so that it's accessible, but not always intruding into our thoughts. A normally filed memory is one where it's there, we can go, take it down off the shelf, or take the box, dust it off, look it over and then put it back "away."

Just as you said, the thoughts are with you constantly, after a trauma. What your T wants you to do isn't crazy, but good therapy. No, you can't do this automatically. Yes, you have to retrain your brain as to what to do with those memories that weren't filed correctly, if at all. The good news is that once you show your brain what to do (by working with T to place them "someplace else") then all similar memories will be filed because the brain will match them up for you. (Meaning you won't have to go through all the elements of every trauma to get them out of your conscious thinking.)
No, you can't figure out just "how" to do this, but with guidance from T you will be able to do it. I have faith in you. I know how it feels to be where you are, at this juncture. Know that by putting them away for a bit in no way minimizes what they represent, or makes you any less of a person for not constantly remembering what you've been through.