Mnemophobia- Fear of memories
It could be said that human beings are a collection of our memories. How we see the world is based on what we have previously experienced. This can be about major things, like familial history or things that are used every day, such as 2+2=4 which is something that will always be and is part of our long term memory. Memories, are generally deemed to be good, bad or indifferent. Even the negative memories, have purpose and are generally handled well by the majority of the populous. We can also accept that traumatic memories will be unpleasant and would not be something a person would be in a hurry to experience. Again this is a normal response and therefore what the majority of the population expects to occur.
However, there are people who simply fear all memories, good, bad or indifferent. The idea of looking back at the past is something to be avoided at all costs. Mnemophobia is an intense fear of experiencing and thinking about their personal memories. These sufferers could even find positive memories something to be avoided.
Hypno-psychotherapy can be used to rationalise a person’s experience with their past and their memories. This being done in the safety of the consulting room which can help clients to be able to move forward by being able to look backward.
