Flashbacks
WHAT ARE THEY?
Flashbacks are memories of past traumas. They may take the form of pictures, sounds, smells, body
sensations, feelings or the lack of them (numbness). Many times there is no actual visual or auditory
memory. One may have a sense of panic, being trapped, feeling powerless with no memory
stimulating it. These experiences can also happen in dreams.
As a child (or adolescent), we had to insulate ourselves from the emotional and physical horrors of
the trauma. In order to survive, that insulated child remained isolated, unable to express the feelings
and thoughts of that time. It is as though we had put that part into a time capsule until now, when it
comes our full-blown in the present.
When that part comes out, the little one is experiencing the past as if it were happening today. As
the flashback occurs, it is as if we forget that we have an ADULT part available to us for reassurance,
protection, and grounding. The intense feelings and body sensations occurring are frightening
because the feelings/sensations are not related to the reality of the present and many times seem to
come from out of nowhere.
We begin to think we are crazy and are afraid of telling anyone (including our therapist) of these
experiences. We feel out of control and at the mercy of our experiences.
We begin to avoid situations and stimulus that we think may have triggered the flashback. Many
times flashbacks occur during any form of sexual intimacy or with a person who has similar
characteristics as the perpetrator, or it may be a situation today that stirs up similar trapped feelings
(confrontation, aggressive people).
If you are feeling small...you are experiencing a flashback.
If you are experiencing stronger feelings than are called for in the present situation...you are
experiencing a flashback.
Taken from: Courage to Heal Workbook