How Does Memory Reconsolidation Work?
The brain’s requirements for activating memory reconsolidation involve a three-step process (Ecker et al., 2012).
Figure 1: The three-step process of memory reconsolidation
- Reactivation – The target memory is reactivated and becomes accessible in the present moment.
- Mismatch – Concurrently with reactivation, a new experience is generated that differs significantly from the target memory. This creates an experiential mismatch that unlocks the target memory and opens the memory reconsolidation window during which the memory is labile for approximately five hours.
- Erase or edit through new learning: During the reconsolidation window, before synapses are relocked, create new learning through new experiences and practices. If the new experience is a complete mismatch, then the target memory is erased. If the new experience is a partial mismatch, then the target memory is edited. Reconsolidation occurs as this window closes.
Referring to memory reconsolidation, Ecker, Ticic, and Hulley claim, “As of this writing, this is the only process known to neuroscience that achieves true eradication of an emotional learning, and it does so through the only known form of neuroplasticity capable of unlocking the synapses maintaining an existing learning: memory reconsolidation” (Ecker et al., 2012). Therefore, the conditions of this three-step process must be met to generate effortlessly sustained transformation.
To utilize memory reconsolidation, the structure of coaching conversations must complete all three steps. The third step can also extend to the five hours after the coaching conversation where practices can create new learning. In addition, any practices offered to the client can be designed in such a way that they complete all three steps. This helps clients leverage memory reconsolidation in between coaching conversations.
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