Session Five: Open and Closed Memories

Abstract

In Session Five, clients recall, write, and process their open and closed memories. They learn to develop skills for dealing with open memories through the positive psychotherapy (PPT) practice of Positive Appraisal. PPT refers to memories that are not fully understood and those that trigger negative emotional responses as “open memories.” Memories that ended somewhat conclusively with a positive outcome, even those entailing past challenges or difficulties, are referred to as “closed memories.” The chapter provides a list of readings, videos, and websites that relate to Positive Appraisal and offers a worksheet to practice the concepts learned in the chapter.