Memories are the result of our minds and bodies processing and integrating information. Events happen and they find a place in us. This is true for events that are frightening and threatening. Just like the body goes into action to heal a physical wound, this processing and integrating helps us make sense of the fear and the threat so that it does not overwhelm us and allows us to choose a response.

There are two challenges for a person who has experienced a traumatic event. The first thing you have to do, of course, is survive the trauma. Fortunately, your mind and body have built-in systems to help you survive trauma. These are your fight/flight/freeze responses. A traumatic event involves two elements. First, there is the situation that creates a great deal of fear and stress. Second, there is the inability to escape the situation. When this happens, your fight/flight/freeze responses allow you to survive what is happening.