Rewind Technique
- Jodene Hager, LMT, MBA
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
A Gentle Pathway to PTSD Resolution Without Retraumatization
Trauma recovery often feels like a long, painful journey filled with reliving distressing memories. Many survivors believe healing means revisiting the moments that caused their pain, which can sometimes deepen their wounds. But what if there was a way to resolve trauma without reopening those old wounds? The Rewind Technique offers a gentle, rapid approach that helps the nervous system release the hold of PTSD or phobias without forcing you to relive the trauma.
What Is the Rewind Technique?
The Rewind Technique is a hypnotherapy method that helps neutralize traumatic memories and phobic reactions without requiring you to describe or relive the original event. It is evidence-informed and non-intrusive, guiding the brain to reprocess memories so they lose their emotional charge. This allows your body to return to a state of calm and safety.
Unlike traditional trauma therapies that often involve detailed retelling, this technique respects your nervous system’s limits. It is especially helpful for people who feel stuck in patterns of hypervigilance, avoidance, or emotional shutdown and are not ready to revisit painful details.
How the Rewind Technique Works
During a session, a therapist guides you through a visualization process where you imagine watching a movie of the traumatic event from a safe distance. You mentally "rewind" the scene several times, each time reducing the emotional intensity. This process helps your brain reframe the memory, making it less threatening.
Because you do not have to speak about the trauma or relive it in detail, the technique avoids overwhelming your nervous system. Instead, it gently rewires your emotional response, allowing you to regain control and feel safe again.
Benefits of the Rewind Technique
No need to retell the trauma
You do not have to describe or relive the event, which reduces the risk of retraumatization.
Safe for the nervous system
The process respects your emotional boundaries and avoids pushing you into distress.
Fast relief
Many people notice significant improvements within just a few sessions or days.
Empowers healing
The technique supports your autonomy and consent, allowing you to heal at your own pace.
Evidence Supporting the Rewind Technique
Research on the Rewind Technique is growing, with promising results:
A study by the Human Givens Institute in the UK found that 93% of participants rated the technique as successful or extremely successful. None reported it as ineffective.
Participants reported reduced symptoms of PTSD and phobias, with many experiencing relief after only a few sessions.
Therapists have observed that clients who struggled with traditional exposure therapies often respond well to this gentler approach.
While more large-scale studies are needed, early findings suggest the Rewind Technique is a valuable option for trauma recovery.
Who Can Benefit from the Rewind Technique?
This method suits people who:
Feel overwhelmed by traditional trauma therapies
Avoid thinking or talking about their trauma
Experience phobias or PTSD symptoms that interfere with daily life
Want a gentle, respectful approach to healing
Prefer not to disclose personal details of their trauma
Working with a trained therapist is crucial for safely navigating the process. Dene is skilled in the Rewind Technique and can assist you.
Practical Examples of the Rewind Technique in Action
Imagine someone with a fear of driving after a car accident. Instead of recounting the accident in detail, the therapist helps them imagine watching a movie of the event from a distance. They mentally rewind the scene several times, each time noticing less fear and tension. Over a few sessions, the person’s anxiety about driving decreases, allowing them to regain confidence behind the wheel.
Another example is a person with PTSD from a workplace incident. They may feel stuck in avoidance and hypervigilance. Using the Rewind Technique, they can process the memory without verbalizing the trauma, reducing emotional distress and improving sleep and mood.
What to Expect in a Rewind Technique Session
A typical session lasts about 45 to 60 minutes. The therapist will:
Explain the process and answer your questions
Guide you into a relaxed state using gentle hypnosis or deep relaxation
Lead you through the visualization of the traumatic memory as a movie
Help you mentally rewind the scene multiple times
Monitor your emotional response and adjust the pace accordingly
End the session with grounding techniques to ensure you feel safe
You may feel lighter and calmer after the session. Some people notice changes immediately, while others experience gradual improvement.
Tips for Supporting Your Healing Journey
Be patient with yourself and the process
Practice self-care and grounding exercises between sessions
Avoid rushing to confront trauma before you feel ready
Share your progress with trusted support people
Healing is a personal journey, and the Rewind Technique offers a respectful, effective way to move forward without retraumatization.
Book your Rewind Technique session today!
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