1. Smucker, Mervin (2012). The role of dual
representation theory in trauma-related memories
1

2. Dual Representation Theory
(Brewin)
Two types of trauma-related memories
• Situational accessible memories
– visual intrusions
– flashbacks
– nightmares
• Verbally accessible memories

3. Situationally Accessible Memories
(SAMS)
• Involuntary recall
• Non-verbal (visual - auditory - sensory)
• Information retrieved is accompanied by strong emotional
response and bodily sensations
• Perceived ongoing, here-and-now threat
• Stuck in time (perceptions, cognitions/emotions remain as
they were at the time of trauma)
• Not processed linguistically

4. Verbally Accessible Memories (VAMS)
• Voluntary recall
• Verbal - Narrative
• Integrated in the present and with perspective of the past
(e.g., “It is a bad memory”)
• No perceived here-and-now threat
• Updated information re trauma-related material (e.g. “I
survived,” “I did not die”)
• Processed linguistically

5. Goals of Trauma-Processing
(according to DRT)
• Eliminate intrusive memories (flashbacks)
• Re-encode SAM material as VAM
memories which now have spatial and
temporal context and place danger in the
past
• Trauma memories no longer perceived as
here-and-now threat

6. Goals of Trauma-Processing
(according to DRT)
• Eliminate intrusive memories (flashbacks)
• Re-encode SAM material as VAM
memories which now have spatial and
temporal context and place danger in the
past
• Trauma memories no longer perceived as
here-and-now threat