Research
Our research examines memory processes and emotional experiences, with the goal of developing novel interventions for emotional disorders (e.g., anxiety, trauma and stressor-related, and mood disorders). Our work is translational in that we first conduct studies in healthy individuals to model clinical processes and then translate promising strategies to clinical samples. We use various research methods, including self-report, psychophysiological assessment, and neuroimaging.
Primary Research Areas
1) Reconsolidation & reactivation-induced memory change. When a memory is reactivated, it is thought to become more susceptible to change. Through the reconsolidation process, the modified memory is then stored again in its new form (row 1 of figure above). This process offers an important opportunity to modify negative memories associated with emotional disorders.
2) Consolidation of therapeutic learning. When an individual has an existing threat memory, it is possible to learn and consolidate new safety memories, which compete with the remaining threat memory (row 2 of figure above). We examine methods to enhance consolidation of these safety memories (row 3 of figure above).