Rewind Therapy: A Different Approach to Trauma
If you have been through something frightening or traumatic, you may find that the effects don't simply disappear because the event is over. You might find yourself avoiding certain situations, experiencing panic or anxiety, having intrusive memories, or reacting very strongly to something that reminds you of what happened.
And perhaps one of the reasons you haven't sought help is that you really don't want to sit in a room and go through the whole thing again. This is where Rewind Therapy may offer a different way of approaching trauma.
What is Rewind Therapy?
The Rewind Technique, developed by psychologist David Muss, is a brief trauma-focused therapeutic technique designed to help reduce the distress associated with traumatic or frightening memories. I use the IARTT Rewind Technique as one of the approaches available within my counselling practice.
The important thing to say straight away is that Rewind isn't about making you repeatedly talk through what happened or forcing you to relive the experience. In fact, you don't need to tell me the details of your trauma in order for us to use the technique.
How does the IARTT Rewind Technique work?
Rewind uses guided imagery to help you access the memory in a controlled and contained way, while remaining aware that you are safe in the present.
The memory is then processed using the specific Rewind procedure. The intention is to reduce the emotional and physical intensity that has become attached to the memory. Think of it less as changing what happened and more as changing the way your mind and body respond to the memory of what happened.
The memory doesn't have to disappear. You can still know that something happened without continuing to experience the same overwhelming response whenever you think about it or encounter a reminder.
Do I have to relive my trauma?
No. And this is probably the most important thing I want people to know about Rewind.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difYou don't have to sit and tell me the whole story.
You don't have to describe every detail.
You don't have to repeatedly go back over the event.
And you certainly don't have to prove how traumatic something was.
The Rewind process is designed so that the traumatic experience does not need to be repeatedly revisited or discussed in detail. You remain in control of what you choose to share. For someone who has been putting off getting help because they are worried about having to relive an experience, that can make a real difference.
What can Rewind Therapy be used for?
Rewind may be helpful where a frightening or traumatic experience continues to cause distress.
This can include:
Trauma and PTSD symptoms
Phobias
Panic attacks and panic symptoms
Anxiety following a frightening experience
Intrusive or distressing memories
Strong emotional or physical reactions to reminders of something that happened
Sometimes, there is one very clear event behind the problem. Sometimes things are a little more complicated. That is why I don't see Rewind as a technique that should simply be applied to everyone who says, "I've experienced trauma."
Is Rewind Therapy suitable for everyone?
No — and I think that's an important part of using any trauma-focused technique responsibly. Before using Rewind, I assess each person individually to consider whether it is appropriate and safe for them. I'll take into account your circumstances, what you are currently experiencing, your level of stability and what you are hoping to achieve from counselling.
If I don't think Rewind is suitable for you, we can look at other ways of working together. There is no pressure to use it simply because you've contacted me about Rewind. Sometimes the best approach is not the one you initially thought you needed.
What happens during a Rewind session?
I'll explain the process before we begin, so you know what to expect and have the opportunity to ask questions. The technique itself is carefully guided. You remain aware of the present and of the fact that you are safe.
You don't have to give me a detailed account of the traumatic event, and you remain in control throughout.
The purpose isn't to make you feel worse in order to make you feel better afterwards. It is about working with the memory in a contained way and reducing the distress connected to it.
Rewind Therapy and traumatic memories
Our memories aren't simply recordings of events. Sometimes something that happened in the past can continue to trigger the same fear, panic or physical response as though the danger is still present. You may know perfectly well that "that happened years ago" while another part of you reacts as though it is happening all over again.
Rewind aims to help with that disconnect between knowing you are safe now and feeling that you aren't. The goal isn't to forget. It is to help the memory become something that belongs in the past.
Is Rewind Therapy right for me?
That is something we can talk about. If you are struggling with the effects of trauma, a phobia, panic or anxiety, and particularly if the thought of conventional trauma therapy makes you think, "I really don't want to talk about all of that again," Rewind may be worth exploring. It isn't right for everyone, and an individual assessment is always needed before using the technique.
If you would like to find out more, you don't have to commit to having Rewind Therapy. We can have a conversation about what is troubling you, what Rewind involves and whether it might be appropriate for you. Sometimes simply finding out there is another way to approach something is a useful first step.
About Rewind Therapy with Mara Fraser Counselling
I offer the IARTT Rewind Technique developed by psychologist David Muss as part of my counselling practice. My approach is person-centred, so I don't believe in taking a technique and trying to make the person fit it. We start with you, your circumstances and what you need.
If Rewind is appropriate, I'll explain the process clearly and make sure you understand what is involved before we go ahead. And if it isn't appropriate, we'll talk about what might be more helpful instead.