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How do I forget a memory I don't want?

Chloe Carmichael, PhD
Clinical Psychologist, Author of Dr. Chloe's 10 Commandments of Dating
Chloe Carmichael, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who runs a private practice in New York City. With over 12 years of psychological consulting experience, Dr. Chloe specializes in relationship issues, stress management, self-esteem, and career coaching. She has also instructed undergraduate courses at Long Island University and has served as adjunct faculty at the City University of New York. Dr. Chloe completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, and her clinical training at Lenox Hill Hospital and Kings County Hospital. She is accredited by the American Psychological Association and is the author of “Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety” and “Dr. Chloe's 10 Commandments of Dating.”

Chloe Carmichael, PhD

Clinical Psychologist, Author of Dr. Chloe's 10 Commandments of Dating

Expert Answer

Talk to one of your friends and ask them to remind you about the bad things relating to the memory. That way, you won't want to dwell on it.

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Question

How do I forget and move on?

Chloe Carmichael, PhD
Clinical Psychologist, Author of Dr. Chloe's 10 Commandments of Dating
Chloe Carmichael, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who runs a private practice in New York City. With over 12 years of psychological consulting experience, Dr. Chloe specializes in relationship issues, stress management, self-esteem, and career coaching. She has also instructed undergraduate courses at Long Island University and has served as adjunct faculty at the City University of New York. Dr. Chloe completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, and her clinical training at Lenox Hill Hospital and Kings County Hospital. She is accredited by the American Psychological Association and is the author of “Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety” and “Dr. Chloe's 10 Commandments of Dating.”

Chloe Carmichael, PhD

Clinical Psychologist, Author of Dr. Chloe's 10 Commandments of Dating

Expert Answer

Make a list of the 10 negative things about the memory so you don't look back on it in a positive light.

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Question

How can I get over losing my dogs two months ago?

Klare Heston, LCSW
Licensed Social Worker
Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).

Klare Heston, LCSW

Licensed Social Worker

Expert Answer

Two months a short time if you had your dogs for a while. Also, if they died traumatically, it can compound the pain even more. Allow yourself time to grieve. Crying is ok. Talking about your dogs is also a good idea. Try to tell the story of what happened a few times. Remember your memories with them, such as by looking at pictures of earlier, happier times. Cherish these memories. Also, be kind to yourself and take good care of yourself.

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Question

How can I forget old painful memories that make me feel like I've lost my reason for living?

Klare Heston, LCSW
Licensed Social Worker
Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).

Klare Heston, LCSW

Licensed Social Worker

Expert Answer

The idea is not to just forget, but to recover and heal. Sometimes telling someone, such as a trusted friend or a therapist, can help reduce these feelings. Keeping things bottled up inside will only make the pain continue to grow. If you feel like life is not worth living, then reach out to someone, and by all means please consider therapy. There are people who can help!

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