Reconsolidation

Consolidation is the neurological and psychological process whereby "memories" are created. Neurologically, a memory is consolidated when it is moved from the labile "short term" storage into permanent long term storage in the physical structures of the human brain. Psychologically, consolidation occurs when information is transfered from short term memory into long term storage.

Notes

Reconsolidation is the neurological/psychological process that occurs when long-term memory traces are elicited and then strengthened and re-imprinted (i.e., reconsolidated) in memory. When memories are elicited, they enter a labile state where revision becomes possible (Nader, 2002).

Consolidation and reconsolidation are physical processes thoroughly grounded in neurological science. Empirical verification of reconsolidation can be noted in the psychological literature, and in particular the literature on psychoanalytic therapy. Entheogens have the demonstrated ability to elicit even deeply repressed memory traces. When this is combined with Psycholytic or psychodynamic therapy (Grof, 1976), or "gentler" forms of chakra activation, powerful and therapeutic reconsolidations are possible.

References

Grof, Stanislav (1985). Beyond the Brain: Birth, Death, and Transcendence in Psychotherapy. New York. SUNY Press.

Grof, Stanislav (1976). Realms of the Unconscious: Observations from LSD Research. New York: Viking Press.

Nader, Karim (2003). Memory Traces Unbound. Trends in Neuroscience. 26(2): 65-72.

Footnotes

References