The Narrative Rewiring Framework
Rewire fear circuitry
This framework involves retelling and reliving traumatic experiences to extinguish the fear response, followed by relearning a new narrative with positive associations. The goal is to reduce the amplitude of the physiological response and replace the old experience with a new, non-traumatic association.
- The brain's fear circuitry can be rewired through narrative and cognition.
- The extinction of the fear response is a crucial step in overcoming trauma.
- Positive associations must be attached to the formerly traumatic event to prevent the fear response from returning.
- Retell and Relive the Traumatic ExperienceRetell the traumatic experience in detail, either to a clinician or through journaling, to extinguish the fear response.Pro tipFind a trusted therapist or support group to guide the process.WarningBe cautious of reactivating traumas without proper support.
- Relearn a New NarrativeRelearn a new narrative that includes positive associations with the formerly traumatic event.Pro tipFocus on creating a new, positive meaning and purpose for the experience.WarningAvoid simply replacing the old experience with a new, positive one without addressing the underlying fear response.
The Biking Accident
A child is involved in a biking accident and develops a fear of biking. Through retelling and reliving the experience, the child is able to extinguish the fear response and relearn a new narrative that includes positive associations with biking.
OutcomeThe child is able to bike again without experiencing a fear response.
Insufficient Extinction
Failing to fully extinguish the fear response before attempting to relearn a new narrative can lead to incomplete recovery.
Lack of Positive Associations
Failing to attach positive associations to the formerly traumatic event can lead to the return of the fear response.
Developed based on the neuroscience of fear and trauma, this framework is rooted in the idea that narrative and cognition can be used to rewire the brain's fear circuitry.
Source · PODCAST
Erasing Fears & Traumas Based on the Modern Neuroscience of Fear