Gold Nugget Moments: How Memory Reconsolidation Theory Helps us to Understand and Consistently Evoke Transformative Change in Nature Based Therapy.
Description:
The shift in posture, a softening on the face or the long awaited exhale – these are all indicators of those wonderful therapeutic moments where we, as therapists bear witness to the arrival of change.
Memory Reconsolidation Theory offers valuable insights into how nature engagement can act as a mechanism of lasting change in psychotherapy. This theory, developed by Bruce Ecker and others, suggests that the meaning we make from adverse or traumatic experiences are not static but when certain conditions are met – say in therapy – they can be updated or modified. Reconciliation happens when memories are reactivated alongside a concurrent contradictory experience or juxtaposition - this results in an updated, more adaptive perspective. Sometimes we call these the “light bulb” or “gold nugget” moments, which often result in effortless behavioural change.
When a memory is retrieved, it enters a malleable state before it is reconsolidated, potentially incorporating new information, emotions, or experiences. This process opens opportunities for therapeutic change, which can be greatly enhanced through intentional and incidental nature engagement.
This presentation will:
Outline the basic concepts of Memory Reconsolidation (MR) Theory
Relate the MR process to well-established therapeutic approaches such as EMDR, IFS and Schema Therapy
Provide a distinction between incremental and transformative therapeutic change
Propose a rationale that incorporating nature based practices with MR approaches to therapy may improve therapeutic efficacy
Sue Jakes
she/her
Psychologist, Trainer & Co-founder of Nature Based Therapies Australia
Sue Jakes is a psychologist, trainer and co-founder of Nature Based Therapies Australia, where professional development meets at the intersection of the medical model and nature based therapies.
Sue has worked for over 20 years as an educator and therapist, initially providing room based treatments for young people, adults and families through CAMHS and headspace. For the last decade, Sue has led a small psychology practice where nature based therapies are the cornerstone of their individual and group therapy programs.
Sue has presented at the EMDR Australia conference on both Nature Based and Equine Assisted EMDR (2023 & 2025), Animal Assisted Therapies Conference (2024), Australian Psychological Society (APS) Conference (2025) and of course had the wonderful joy of sharing at the OHA Forum in 2024. She had delivered educational webinars for APS and also continues to provide these through the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi) and Nature Based Therapies Australia.
Sue has recently co-designed the Beyond Boundaries Foundational Training in Nature Based Therapy to be launched later this year; she continues to provide supervision across disciplines a well as enjoying her clinical practice.