Rewind Therapy - closure without disclosure

Rewind Therapy is a non-invasive psychological intervention, and unlike other trauma-focused therapies, it does not require the individual to speak about the traumatic event in detail. The benefits of non-disclosure include minimising the risk of the client being re-traumatised, no risk of disclosing sensitive information (e.g. in the case of military personnel) and for survivors of rape and sexual abuse the benefit of not having to disclose details of the event to a stranger should be self-evident.

Instead of such disclosures, Rewind Therapy involves a guided visualisation process that allows the person to reprocess the memory in a way that reduces its emotional impact. It was developed by Dr David Muss in the 1990s.

How does Rewind Therapy work?

Rewind Therapy works by enabling the individual to mentally 'rewind' the traumatic memory in a controlled, safe environment. Here’s a brief overview of the process:

• Relaxation: The therapy begins with the individual being guided into a state of deep relaxation, often through breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation.
• Visualisation: Once relaxed, the individual is asked to imagine watching a movie of the traumatic event in their mind, but with an important twist - the event is played backwards, from end to start. This 'rewinding' process helps to create a psychological distance between the person and the traumatic memory.
• Dissociation: As the individual watches the mental 'movie', they are encouraged to imagine themselves as a detached observer, further reducing the emotional intensity of the memory.
• Reintegration: After the rewind process, the therapist guides the individual through a 'fast forward' of the event, this time from a detached perspective. This helps to reintegrate the memory in a way that is less distressing.
• Reaffirmation: The session concludes with the therapist reinforcing the individual’s ability to manage their emotional response to the memory, often through positive affirmations or grounding techniques.

What are the benefits of Rewind Therapy?

Rewind Therapy offers several benefits, making it an attractive option for trauma treatment:

• Non-invasive: The therapy does not require the individual to relive or recount their traumatic experience in detail, reducing the risk of re-traumatisation.
• Speed and efficiency: Many individuals report significant relief after just a few sessions, making it a relatively quick method compared to other trauma therapies.
• Versatility: Rewind Therapy is effective for a wide range of trauma-related conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, anxiety, and panic disorders.
• Safety: The technique is considered safe for most people, including those who may not be suitable for other types of exposure therapy.

Who is it suitable for?

Rewind Therapy is suitable for individuals who have experienced various forms of trauma, including victims of assault or abuse, individuals involved in accidents or natural disasters, military veterans or people with phobias or severe anxiety. It can have significant success with clients who are victims of sexual abuse and suffer from panic attacks and intrusive thoughts.

It is important to point out that Rewind Therapy offers a way of permanently stopping the involuntary recall by filing the traumatic event, so it comes under control and is safely stored in long-term memory. Voluntary memory recall remains, but that is under the individual’s control.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the aftereffects of trauma, Rewind Therapy might be a beneficial option to explore with a qualified therapist.