Therapists’ beliefs about traumatic memory: Possible effects on therapy proceedings and contributions to false memory formation

Abstract

How psychotherapists understand and approach trauma-related memory remains clinically and ethically significant, particularly given the risk of false memory formation through attempts to recover unremembered trauma. This review synthesizes recent findings on therapists' beliefs about traumatic memory, memory recovery, and self-reported therapy practices. Despite limited data, many therapists demonstrate awareness of memory's malleability while also believing in memory blocking or repression. These beliefs do not necessarily imply problematic assumptions or practices, but they should be regarded as risk factors, given their association with suggestive techniques. Few studies on therapist behavior exist. They imply that some therapists still attempt to recover unremembered trauma memories, despite there being a consensus that this should be avoided. Overall, the findings highlight the need for conceptual clarity in research, further research into suggestive therapist behavior, and integration of memory science in therapist training.