RISE Resources

Counseling and Psychotherapy for Children, Teens and their Families


RISE Resources

Counseling and Psychotherapy Resources for Children, Teens and their Families

“Auld Lang Syne”

Christine LaPosa • January 6, 2025

Greetings, friends! Welcome to a new year.

Healing Traumatic Memories

The topic of today’s blog entry is examining the song “Auld Lang Syne” in the context of trauma.


The purpose of this discussion is to demonstrate that people who have experienced trauma may

not cherish memories of the past, as this song suggests.


Background of “Auld Lang Syne”

“Auld Lang Syne” is a song that is sung at midnight in many parts of the world to celebrate the

transition to a New Year. It originated as a Scottish poem. In English, “Auld Lang Syne”

translates directly to “old long since”. Generally, the song encourages people to remember the

kindness of old friends. It proposes that the past is to be treasured.


Traumatic Memories

Not all memories are positive. Typically, the brain and body store traumatic memories in a

unique way. Often, traumatic memories are stored in fragmented pieces. Sometimes, they may

be incomplete or out of order. In some cases, they may be altered or “revised”. In addition, the

brain may link traumatic memories to certain thoughts, feelings, or sensory experiences. These

memories may cause significant distress to those who have experienced trauma.


Healing Traumatic Memories

While traumatic memories may last a life time for some people, there is hope. With the right

therapeutic tools and support, traumatic memories can be stored differently, linked to new and

more adaptive information, and decrease in their level of disturbance. Ideally, they can help

individuals to learn, grow, and become more resilient. However, this is a process that often

requires time, patience, and perseverance.


Today’s discussion questions:

  • How do your traumatic memories differ in nature from your other memories?
  • How do your traumatic memories impact your current functioning?
  • Describe any changes in your traumatic memories and their impact on your life since you have begun your healing work.



Please post your responses in the below comments section. I look forward to connecting with

you!

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