abreaction
Pronunciation: ab-ree-AK-shun
The emotional release and reliving of repressed traumatic memories during therapy.
Full Definition
Abreaction refers to the therapeutic process where a patient emotionally relives and releases previously repressed or forgotten traumatic experiences. This phenomenon often occurs during psychoanalytic therapy or hypnosis when memories are brought back to consciousness. The term was originally coined by Freud and Breuer, who observed that patients experienced relief when they could fully express emotions associated with traumatic events. In contemporary practice, abreaction may occur spontaneously during various forms of therapy and requires careful clinical management.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'abstraction' (mental process) and ensure proper clinical context.
In Context
- "The patient experienced an unexpected abreaction during the EMDR session, requiring immediate therapeutic support." — therapy notes
- "Clinicians should be prepared to manage abreaction when working with trauma survivors." — treatment protocol