I’m fascinated by how little I know about the function of the brain. Although, as a Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) practitioner, I work with one of the processes of the brain – the operation of cognitive, mental, emotional, and behavioral activity – I am by no measure a so-called expert in my field.
Furthermore, I’m captivated by those people whose hubris is on full display to the world when they speak authoritatively about brain functioning which is somewhat questionable. As an example, I recently saw an interview regarding Christine Blasey Ford who was trotted out to discuss her presumed expertise regarding the process of memory.
For context, Blasey Ford provided testimony at the confirmation proceedings of now Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (U.S.) Brett Kavanaugh. Herein, I won’t extensively detail the questionable claims made by Blasey Ford related to alleged sexual assault and/or attempted rape.
Nevertheless, I think it’s worth noting that during her testimony Blasey Ford was asked about the strongest memory she maintained in regards to her allegation – the one point of recollection she couldn’t forget. Answering, Blasey Ford claimed that:
Indelible in the hippocampus is the laughter, the uproarious laughter between the two and their having fun at my expense.
When asked a clarifying question regarding her response, Blasey Ford stated:
They were laughing with each other. I was underneath one of them while the two laughed – two friends having a really good time with one another.
There was one glaring issue with Blasey Ford’s testimony – it apparently wasn’t factually corroborated by other individuals. Unsurprisingly, people spoke out in defense of Blasey Ford while ignoring the legal standard regarding the presumption of innocence maintained by U.S. legal institutions.
For instance, one source claimed:
Christine Blasey Ford has credibly testified that Brett Kavanaugh attempted to rape her in high school. But many who believe that she is telling the truth are still wondering whether senators should decide how to vote on Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination based on her testimony, in the absence of any “corroborating evidence.” Let’s put aside for a moment the possibility that additional evidence could emerge that supports or undermines Ford’s testimony. In a court of law, a judge or jury who believes that a witness is telling the truth can convict someone of a crime even without corroborating evidence. This happens all the time.
Simply because the rights of U.S. citizens are trampled upon in legal institutions “all the time,” doesn’t mean this negligent practice must continue to occur. Moreover, I find it astonishing how some people irrationally believe that the brain is some sort of supercomputer which accurately records each memory.
Herein, I’ll set aside my lived experience with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that was incurred in childhood and aggravated through military service. After all, my memory-related issues with trauma may not be reflected in the experiences of others who also endured traumatic events.
Likewise, I’ll not raise the issue of my experience with having begun life coaching for trauma survivors in the ‘90s, as well as my clinical practice with trauma populations since 2011. Altogether, the life experiences of those with whom I’ve worked don’t necessarily encapsulate every trauma survivor’s issues.
Therefore, I will instead rely on what science has to say about traumatic experience and faulty memory – keeping in mind that science isn’t “settled” or entirely accurate, as well. According to one source:
Several lines of converging evidence now document that people are susceptible to memory distortion for experiences of trauma, regardless of whether that trauma is a single event (such as a motor vehicle accident) or a sustained stressful experience that might involve multiple trauma types (such as military deployment).
When assigned to the military police (MP) while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, I received training to simulate the experience of trauma and which demonstrated how such events could impact physiological and psychological functioning. This training was referred to as a “stress course.”
MPs were subjected to rigorous physical exercises while being yelled at by multiple people. We were then required to sprint to a firing line, whereupon we were handed shotguns.
Instructors told us to engage specific targets while trying not to shoot “friendly” targets. After the course, MPs were hurried over to a safety area whereby we were quickly interviewed.
I was surprised to learn how many details I missed when engaging the simulated deadly force drill. For instance, I didn’t even notice a target depicting a little girl with long yellow braids, though I fired buckshot towards her when engaging an intended target beside her.
As well, I recalled there being more than one active shooter target (represented by the presentation of an illustrated firearm) when there was actually only one present. That’s when I learned of faulty memories in relation to stressful scenarios. According to one source:
Memory changes associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are pervasive. How the traumatic event is encoded and retrieved is central to the experience of the disorder; however, more general abnormalities in autobiographical recollection and in new learning are also commonly observed.
It simply isn’t true that trauma memories are “indelible in the hippocampus,” suggestive of accurate representations of what may occur during traumatic events. While I understand the desire for people to advocate so-called “victim’s rights,” victimization of one group (the accused) in support of another group (the victim) isn’t an appropriate function of justice.
Also when working as an MP, I received focused training for interviews and interrogations. Therein, I learned to acquire voluntary statements from suspects, victims, and witnesses:
I was advised to first receive a statement orally and without interruption. Then, I would have the individual restate the account, though with direct oral questions pertaining to inconsistencies having been addressed.
After that, I would have the person write out a statement on a voluntary statement form. In the written statement, I could draft specific questions while the individual would then provide additional written answers.
The reason for obtaining a statement three times was because the memory is reconstructive. Not always do people recall details accurately, which was apparent by the second and third statements I received from the people I interviewed or interrogated. Regarding this matter, one source states:
Eyewitnesses are susceptible to recollecting that they experienced an event in a way that is consistent with false information provided to them after the event. The effect is commonly called the misinformation effect.
It isn’t as though people like Blasey Ford intentionally lie in regards to faulty memories. Rather, the misinformation effect can impact an individual’s ability to accurately recall information. Still, it’s worth noting that this matter is highly-contested among those who study memory – of whom I am not one.
One source opines that “when examining more specific statements in regard to encoding (stress enhances encoding) and retrieval (stress impairs retrieval), we saw a divergence between eyewitness and fundamental memory experts. Fundamental memory experts generally agreed that experiencing stress at encoding enhances memory, whereas eyewitness memory experts did not.”
As previously stated, I’m not an expert in this field. Nevertheless, I do exercise caution when considering the impact of potentially faulty memory and an individual’s statements against other people.
This brings me to the interview I recently encountered, whereby Blasey Ford discussed her experience while promoting her upcoming memoir. With all the vocal fry and upspeak one could anticipate, given her previous testimony, Blasey Ford stated:
That’s the most common thing we say to sexual assault survivors, is, “I believe you,” and it’s a really nice thing to say to someone. It’s very well-intentioned and it’s well-received, but it’s the only thing we say. “I believe you,” like, if I said, “My name’s Christine,” you wouldn’t say, “I believe you.” Or if I said I lost my wallet, you wouldn’t say, “I believe you.” But we seem to only use that phrase for that. I’m not sure what you should say. I think when someone says, “I believe you,” it puts the survivor in the position of saying, “Thank you,” and then it’s…the conversation’s kind of over then. I think that if someone tells me something bad happened to them – that they had a car accent or that something happened – I say, “Are you okay?” Or, “What can I do to help you?” Or, “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry that happened to you.” “I understand.”
Earlier this morning, before drafting this post, I was attacked by a tyrannosaurus rex.
Don’t question my narrative. Believe my faulty memory. Anything other than joining with the irrationality of my moral and ethical position will result in my consideration of you as a bad person.
Do you see how absurd this standard is? Perhaps you argue that my outlandish retort to Blasey Ford’s presumed position isn’t representative of reality. Precisely! Faulty memories aren’t either.
Although my colleagues who practice the technique of Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – in which I’ve been trained – may argue that “every memory deserve respect,” I disagree with the premise, depending on what one means by “respect.”
I don’t hold in high regard faulty memories which may lead to the violation of human rights. Rather, I argue that faulty memories exist, trauma can significantly impair memories, and eyewitness – as well as survivor testimony – warrant critical analysis (questioning).
Likewise, when practicing REBT, I don’t merely “go with that” – a technique I learned when undergoing EMDR training – concerning memories clients report. Instead, I dispute irrational beliefs and invite clients to practice unconditional acceptance rather than blaming people for the content of potentially faulty memories.
Understandably, not everyone will agree with my position. Likewise, not every potential client will want to be treated by someone with my perspective. About this, I remain undisturbed.
Ultimately, I invite the reader to challenge yourself concerning memories of the past to which you hold people accountable in the present. Not everything we recall is accurate. For all I know, there never was a little girl with long yellow braids on the aforementioned stress course.
If you’re currently self-disturbed by your beliefs about past memories – even those pertaining to traumatic experiences – you don’t have to suffer the consequences of your assumptions. I may be able to help you, which could involve challenging the existence of a faulty memory.
If you’re looking for a provider who works to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply helping you to feel better, I want to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
References:
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