You Cannot Erase Your Memories, But You May Be Able to Change Them

Uskudar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital Psychiatry Specialist Prof. Dr. Gül Eryılmaz provided information about research demonstrating that long-term memories, previously thought to be unchangeable, can be modified through therapeutic interventions.

Experts noting that information stored in long-term memory was until recently considered unchangeable state that research has shown memory to be reorganizable.
Psychiatry Specialist Prof. Dr. Gül Eryılmaz, noting that memories stored in long-term memory do not remain fixed, said "Memories stored in long-term memory can be strengthened, weakened, and even altered."

Eryılmaz, drawing attention to the fact that traumatic memories stored in emotional memory can now be restructured, conveyed that EMDR therapy in particular targets emotionally-laden memory contents with the aim of reducing the weight of these memories. Eryılmaz, emphasizing that memories are not erased in this process, warned that interventions carried out by non-specialists could cause further harm.

Long-term memory information can be altered!
Psychiatry Specialist Prof. Dr. Gül Eryılmaz, describing how our memory processes information through working, short-term and long-term memory processes, said "Memories stored in long-term memory do not remain fixed; they can be strengthened, weakened, and even altered."

Noting that it was assumed until recently that information in long-term memory could not be changed, Eryılmaz stated "However, research conducted in the 2000s showed that certain medications could reorganize memory, shedding light on the idea that memory is modifiable."

The goal is not to erase memories, but to establish a healthy relationship with them
Prof. Dr. Gül Eryılmaz, drawing attention to the fact that traumatic memories stored in emotional memory can now be restructured, said "In particular, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy targets emotionally-laden (implicit) memory contents rather than autobiographical ones, aiming to reduce the weight of these memories."

Eryılmaz, emphasizing that the goal in this approach is not to erase memories but to enable individuals to establish a healthy relationship with their memories and reduce the emotional impact of trauma, concluded his remarks as follows:
"In such a sensitive process, intervention by only qualified specialist therapists is critical from an ethical standpoint. Amateur interventions can further traumatize an individual. Therefore, individuals working with qualified professionals in such therapeutic interventions represents the most appropriate approach from both safety and effectiveness perspectives."