Trauma and Memory – 2024 Workshop of Willingness Malta

During this training, participants engaged in a dynamic exploration aimed at dispelling prevalent myths surrounding the intersection of trauma and memory.

Speaker- Dr. Ronald Zammit

Dr. Ronald Zammit is registered as a Clinical Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council in the UK. As well as a Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist with the British Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapies. He is also an EMDR practitioner and Certified Clinical Trauma professional.

The workshop covered fundamental topics related to the definition of the traumatic experience in psychological and neurobiological terms and the relationship between trauma and the memory systems. Dr. Zammit started by mentioning the most usual symptomatology of trauma. Such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, chronic emotion dysregulation, dissociation or somatization. At the same time, the speaker pointed out that trauma is a very complex procedure which is closely related to our survival instinct. Where the sense of danger plays a key role in a traumatic experience. The human brain can execute various procedures in order to protect us from stress and discomfort. This is the point when memory systems start playing an important role as well.

Memory Systems

Τhe speaker elaborated on the types of memory systems and the different roles they play in memory formation. It is known that there are two types of memory, explicit memory and implicit memory. Explicit memory includes semantic information and episodic memory. While implicit memory includes procedural and emotional memory. At the same time, discussions emphasised the crucial role of various brain areas in memory formation. For instance, the hippocampus governs episodic memory, the basal ganglia handles procedural memory, and the amygdala manages emotional memory.

Myths about trauma

In this part of the workshop, Dr. Zammit focused on three common myths explored through trauma education. The first myth discussed was the belief that people can exactly recall a traumatic memory or experience. The second myth relates to repressed traumatic memories. Many people and even mental health professionals still believe it is rare for someone to forget an actual traumatic event, which sparks much debate within trauma education. According to the speaker, therapists must handle traumatic experiences carefully in therapy. There is also a risk that a therapist could unintentionally shape a client’s false traumatic memory through leading questions or suggestions.

The third and final myth discussed concerns the belief that recalling traumatic memories is always devastating and painful. Undoubtedly, exploring and healing trauma is not an easy process. However, as Dr. Ronald highlighted, with safe trauma education in a supportive therapy setting, and with respect from the therapist, individuals can find the relief and redemption they seek.

Questions and Discussion

At the final part of the workshop, Dr. Zammit dedicated time for reflections and discussion. Participants gained different perspectives and shared clinical experiences with clients, deepening their trauma education. Practitioners must actively build a full understanding of the neurobiology of trauma and its link to memory. This trauma education enhances comprehension and improves therapeutic approaches.

If you are interested in listening to the entire “Trauma and Memory” workshop, it can now be viewed here.

Written by Effrosyni Antoniadou

Effrosyni Antoniadou is a Psychology graduate from Aristotele’s University. Currently working as an intern at Willingness. Additionally, she has volunteered in public mental health services and has done an internship in the field of drug addiction. She has also worked with children and adolescents and is interested in expanding her knowledge and experience in clinical psychology.