Rewind technique

Domain VI · Brief, integrative, trauma, hypnosis & coaching · David Muss, Joe Griffin, Ivan Tyrrell · 1991

What it is

The rewind technique is a brief, imagery-based, graded exposure procedure for single-incident trauma memories, PTSD symptoms (intrusions, flashbacks, triggered fear) and phobias. With the client deeply relaxed, the therapist guides them to view the traumatic event as a short film, first from a…

Format

• Typical dose and format
• HG practice-based cohorts (police staff, veterans, an NHS PTSD clinic, private practice): mean 5 to 6.5 HG therapy sessions in total (range 1 to 24); 73% to 84% finished in six or fewer. One cohort evaluated a single rewind session within HG therapy. The number of rewinds per session is not…

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Is there physical contact? Was it explained beforehand, and do you feel free to say no or stop at any point?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Does it involve intense or unusual breathing? Have you been told about the medical conditions for which that is not advised?
• Does it involve fasting, a special diet or 'detox'? Have you discussed this with your doctor?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• Fatigue; leave enough time for closure.
• Calm while watching is the signal to move to 4.9.
• Fear of losing control or of hypnosis; address before relaxing.
• Practice that raises anxiety (switch to an eyes-open or counting task).
• Anxiety in the rehearsal suggests an untreated trigger; rewind that first.

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.