Significance of Blocked and Recovered Memories in Psychotherapy

Abstract

Validity of blocked memories and subsequently recovering those memories has long been a subject of debate in the field of Psychology. These memories are often viewed in contrast to manufactured memories, although researches have simultaneously indicated that both are inseparable from one another. Given the blurred boundaries between the two, it becomes essential on the part of the psychotherapist to investigate during the process of assessment as to whether his/her client’s recalled memories during the course of therapy are truly authentic or confabulated (both due to intentional and unintentional reasons) because of its understandable implications for therapy or otherwise. It is also important to examine the possibility of blocking traumatic memories with psychological processes such as dissociation and repression. More often than not, therapy is directed towards recovering traumatic memories of the past, which if not accurate and authentic, may defeat the very purpose of therapeutic contact. This paper reviews research studies from two opposing viewpoints, one which exerts the existence of blocked and recovered memories and the other which attempts to claim its inauthenticity, while emphasizing what the researchers’ term as false memories. The author attempts to bring the two views together in the light of suggesting future directions for research and therapy.