Emotional Flashbacks: When the Past Crashes the Present

Ever found yourself spiralling into shame, fear, or “I’m-a-terrible-human” mode… over something small?

That might be an emotional flashback. Unlike movie-style flashbacks, these don’t show up as images, they show up as feelings. Big, overwhelming, childhood-sized feelings that don’t quite fit the moment.

They can sneak in when we feel criticised, rejected, or even when something good happens. Suddenly your adult brain has left the chat and your inner child is running the show.

In therapy, we don’t try to “fix” or erase these moments , they’re signals, not flaws. Together, we slow things down, trace where those feelings come from, and learn to soothe the parts of you that once had to cope alone. Over time, this therapeutic exploration helps you to build trust in your adult self, the one who can offer safety, compassion, and perspective when the past shows up uninvited.

Here’s the good news: awareness is power. Healing isn’t about never going there again, it’s about finding your way back faster and kinder each time.

🌼 And if your inner critic starts heckling… remind it who’s boss (with love, of course).

~ Jumbled Bean