Part 8/13:
The prefrontal cortex can exert top-down influence, attaching new meanings and narratives to fearful memories. This rationalization is critical—fear is not just a reflex but also a story we tell ourselves about the threat. Repairing maladaptive fears involves creating new, positive schemas that override or weaken previous fear-triggered circuits.
Therapeutic Approaches
Dr. Huberman discusses three primary behavioral therapies:
Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Involves detailed recounting of traumatic events, which over time diminishes physiological fear responses.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Focus on restructuring the narratives around traumatic memories, reducing their emotional power.