A Compassionate Look at Emotional Memory through the Lens of Pete Walker’s Work on Complex PTSD
At Pasadena Trauma Therapy, we work with many individuals living with the effects of complex trauma. One of the most common and confusing symptoms we see in our clients is the experience of flashbacks. Contrary to popular belief, flashbacks in Complex PTSD aren’t always dramatic, visual replays of traumatic events. Often, they show up as sudden waves of fear, shame, or helplessness that seem to come from nowhere.
Pete Walker, author of Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving, offers a powerful perspective on flashbacks—one that helps survivors make sense of their emotional world and begin to heal.
Flashbacks Are Emotional Memories
Walker describes flashbacks in Complex PTSD as emotional flashbacks. These are not necessarily visual memories, but rather deep, body-based emotional states that stem from painful experiences in childhood—often before we had the words or understanding to process what was happening.
These flashbacks can look like:
- Suddenly feeling like a scared or abandoned child
- Intense shame or self-hatred with no clear trigger
- Overwhelming sadness, panic, or rage in response to a small conflict
- A strong impulse to flee, shut down, or please others at all costs
What’s actually happening in these moments is that the nervous system is being hijacked by an implicit memory—a memory stored in the body, not the thinking brain. The past isn’t just being remembered; it’s being relived.
Why They Feel So Real
Flashbacks often get triggered by something in the present that unconsciously resembles a threat from the past: a tone of voice, a certain look, a sense of rejection or criticism. But the intensity of the emotional reaction isn’t about what’s happening now—it’s about what happened then.
Understanding this can be incredibly relieving. You’re not “overreacting.” You’re having a nervous system response to something your body remembers as dangerous. In other words, you’re remembering—just not with words.
You’re Not Broken—You’re Remembering
At Pasadena Trauma Therapy, we help clients explore and gently unpack these emotional flashbacks using somatic and evidence-based approaches like:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- Brainspotting
- IFS (Internal Family Systems/Parts Work)
These methods allow clients to process the implicit emotional memory safely, integrate it into their story, and begin to respond to the present rather than react from the past.
Soothing the Inner Child
Pete Walker emphasizes the importance of self-compassion in healing Complex PTSD. When you notice yourself in a flashback, you can begin to practice speaking to your inner child—the part of you that feels scared, small, or helpless—with kindness rather than criticism.
Some gentle reminders might be:
- “This is a memory. I’m safe now.”
- “I can feel my feet on the ground.”
- “I’m an adult, and I can protect myself.”
- “This feeling will pass.”
These small, consistent acts of self-care help to build new neural pathways—ones rooted in safety, agency, and connection.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Flashbacks can be frightening and isolating. But with the right support, they can also become powerful opportunities for healing and transformation. At Pasadena Trauma Therapy, we specialize in helping people move through the emotional debris of trauma with gentleness and precision. If you’re struggling with flashbacks or other symptoms of Complex PTSD, know that you’re not alone—and that healing is absolutely possible.
To learn more about how we can support your healing journey, visit www.pasadenatraumatherapy.com or contact us to schedule a consultation.
