Processing of Positive Memories Technique among Clients Reporting Traumatic Experiences: A Case Series

Abstract

Many current treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) emphasize processing and engaging with trauma memories as the key mechanism of therapeutic change. However, promising emerging research indicates links between PTSD symptoms and positive memories. Processing positive memories, to therapeutically impact health outcomes for trauma-exposed individuals, may have several benefits, including (a) increasing access to positive coping mechanisms via activating positive affect and thoughts; (b) addressing avoidance of positive affect and thoughts; and (c) honing skills that will aid in the eventual processing of trauma memories. The present article demonstrates the utility and effects of a novel Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) with three clients who reported a history of traumatic experiences. We outline the procedures of a 5-session PPMT, that incorporates symptom assessment, detailed imaginal experiencing of positive memories, and processing of associated positive values, affect, strengths, and thoughts. We utilize longitudinal assessment data to demonstrate the clinical benefits of PPMT, such as less PTSD severity, improved mood (e.g., less negative affect), and greater self-esteem. Finally, we discuss treatment considerations based on unique client factors and treatment modalities (i.e., in-person vs. video telehealth).

Open label pilot study on posttrauma health impacts of the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT).

“…Thus, PPMT may work differently for individuals across the different outcomes. Drawing on clinical observations (Fondren et al, 2021) and the existing literature, some potential factors could account for these idiographic variations: uncertainty about optimal dosage of sessions (Contractor et al, 2022), comorbid conditions (e.g., substance use) that may influence positive memory retrieval (Banducci et al, 2020); and characteristics of traumas (e.g., interpersonal traumas; Contractor, Kearns, et al, 2021).…”

Relations Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Positive Memory Characteristics Among Women Reporting Intimate Partner Violence: A Micro-Longitudinal Study

“…Addressing these gaps, we used an ESM (i.e., micro-longitudinal) design to examine daily-level associations between PTSD symptoms and positive memory characteristics of vividness (visual clarity) and accessibility (ease of retrieval) among community women currently experiencing physical and/or sexual victimization and using alcohol and/or drugs. We focally examined positive memory vividness and accessibility based on existing literature and clinical observations linking difficulties in easily accessing vivid positive memories to more PTSD symptom severity (Contractor, Banducci, et al, 2019; Contractor, Greene, et al, 2020; Contractor, Messman, et al, 2023a; Fondren et al, 2022). Specifically, we examined (1) the trajectory of PTSD symptom count across 30 days; and (2) if positive memory vividness and accessibility predicted the trajectory of PTSD symptom count across 30 days.…”

Processing of Positive Memories Technique

“…Following modifications to the PPMT manual, based on initial testing and feedback received (Contractor et al, 2020a(Contractor et al, , 2020bCaldas et al, 2020), this intervention was piloted among 12 trauma-exposed community members seeking therapeutic or assessment services at a university psychology clinic (Fondren et al, 2021). In this study, quantitative and qualitative feedbacks on the content, format, and feasibility of PPMT are summarized.…”