Memory for good events and more
Psychological research indicates that we are more likely to recall negative emotional events and that we have more vivid memories for negative situations in our lives than positive situations. The researchers suggest that an alertness to the negative and potential threatening situations can help us to navigate difficulties in the future. We’re also better at recalling details of stories where characters are survivors of adversity and this can help us to connect to our own stories of survival.
When we work to support clients in counselling, we help individuals remember the events that went well and why they went well so we are supporting you to get in touch with your strengths and skills to address your future too. Be it a ‘close shave’, conquering adversity, adapting to our own difficult situation or the struggles of others’ to whom we feel connected – all situations can contribute to constructive memory making and refining our sense of positive self for the future.