abreaction

/ˌæbriːˈækʃən/

Definitions

1. noun

a sudden, intense release of pent-up emotions, often triggered by a memory or stimulus

“The patient’s therapist helped her to experience a therapeutic abreaction by reliving the traumatic event in a safe environment.”

Synonyms

  • catharsis
  • emotional release

Antonyms

  • repression
  • suppression