In recent years, observations from different scientific areas have supported the assumption that in an unrecognised way pre-speech experiences are much more present and influental in an individual than previously supposed. The act of remembering pre-speech memories is an active or passive re-enactment of the past. Based on this concept of emotional and action-based memory, a more concrete interpretation of the pre- and perinatal roots of emotions and actions in the psychotherapeutic situation is possible. Examples are given and consequences for prevention are discussed.