Memories of abuse can be helpful as you work through the past and assure yourself to not repeat those decisions and feelings and relationship moments that you now can learn from. On the other hand, memories can also reactivate trauma reactions on your biochemical and emotional levels. Some treatments like EMDR help mitigate the impact of memories so you can remember with less re-traumatizing. Consider this opinion article:. “Do Memories of Abuse Hurt More Than Actual Abuse?” | Psychology Today