Why Recurring Memories in Therapy Are Normal and Key to TMS Pain Recovery
Are you in therapy to recover from chronic pain? Do the same memories keep arising for you?
If you’ve ever felt stuck in therapy because the same memories keep surfacing, you’re not alone.
This is a common experience for anyone working through challenges like chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or emotional recovery. While it might feel like a problem, it’s actually a crucial part of the healing process.
Why Recurring Memories Are Intentional
When certain memories keep showing up, it’s not a mistake. These memories arise because they hold emotions you’ve been avoiding—fear, shame, anger, guilt, or disappointment. Your mind brings them forward repeatedly because they’re trying to guide you to those emotions.
Rather than needing to “let go” of the memory, the goal is to engage with it differently. These recurring memories aren’t here to disappear—they’re here to help you feel and process emotions that might be contributing to stress, pain, or a sense of being stuck.
How This Affects Recovery
For those experiencing physical symptoms like back pain, stomach issues, or conditions like IBS, unresolved emotions often play a bigger role than we realize. Stress and emotional tension can manifest as physical pain, and recurring memories are one way your mind draws attention to what’s unresolved.
The repetition isn’t a sign of failure—it’s an opportunity. Each time the memory resurfaces, it gives you another chance to feel and process the emotions tied to it. Over time, this emotional work can help reduce physical symptoms, ease stress, and even support anxiety recovery.
Avoiding Attachment to the Story
One of the common traps in therapy is attaching to the story of the memory. When we focus too much on the “what happened” of the memory, we can miss its deeper purpose. The memory itself is less important than the emotions it brings up.
By focusing on the feelings—rather than reliving the events—you open the door to true healing. The memory becomes a tool to guide you toward emotional freedom rather than something you need to conquer or erase.
Healing Takes Time
It’s important to understand that recurring memories might continue to surface for years, and that’s perfectly normal. Healing isn’t about erasing the past; it’s about learning how to feel and process the emotions it brings up. Each time a memory returns, it gives you a new chance to deepen your emotional awareness and recovery.
Take the Next Step
If you’re struggling with recurring memories, chronic pain, or feeling stuck, I’ve created a free 1-hour pain relief class to help you understand the connection between your mind and body.
The free 1-hour pain relief class is part of my Pain Relief Community, where you’ll gain access to everything you need to support your healing journey. In the community, you’ll get:
A supportive chat group to connect with others on the same path.
Weekly live calls to answer your questions and provide guidance.
Access to in-depth lectures about the mind-body connection.
A mind-body quiz to help you understand your pain.
Practical tools and resources to guide your recovery.
Join the community and take the first step toward lasting relief.