I’ve been using this method a lot and I realized there’s a shortcut if you have an exceptionally powerful disconfirmation memory. The moment you realize a distressing feeling has arisen, activate the powerful memory and hold it until reconsolidation is complete. You don’t need to identify the target schema or identify a relevant disconfirming experience. The identity of the schema is usually revealed during reconsolidation, which feels easier than identifying it before reconsolidation. For me the memory was taking MDMA (alone, therapeutic context) for the first time and feeling like I’d still be full of love even if everyone and everything I love burned to ashes in front of me. Other’s have reported spontaneous meditative experiences that seem similar. I strongly suspect most fears boil down to disconnection of some form, so powerful memories of connection may be a universal mismatch.
I’ve been using this method a lot and I realized there’s a shortcut if you have an exceptionally powerful disconfirmation memory. The moment you realize a distressing feeling has arisen, activate the powerful memory and hold it until reconsolidation is complete. You don’t need to identify the target schema or identify a relevant disconfirming experience. The identity of the schema is usually revealed during reconsolidation, which feels easier than identifying it before reconsolidation. For me the memory was taking MDMA (alone, therapeutic context) for the first time and feeling like I’d still be full of love even if everyone and everything I love burned to ashes in front of me. Other’s have reported spontaneous meditative experiences that seem similar. I strongly suspect most fears boil down to disconnection of some form, so powerful memories of connection may be a universal mismatch.