Rewind Technique

The Rewind Technique is an imagery-based intervention for processing traumatic memories. Recent controlled research supports its potential as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Overview

The rewind technique — also referred to as the visual-kinesthetic dissociation technique — is a protocolized imaginal exposure method for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It involves the visualization of traumatic events from a psychologically safe distance, followed by a rapid “rewinding” of the memory. The technique is hypothesized to reduce the emotional salience of the trauma via mechanisms such as memory reconsolidation or reduced avoidance. While previously supported by observational studies, a recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated preliminary efficacy, with large effect sizes in symptom reduction at 8 weeks post-treatment.

Why Use This Resource?

The Rewind Technique may be beneficial for clinicians seeking a brief PTSD intervention. This information handout:

Describes the steps of the technique used in a study by Hossack and Bentall.
May provide an additional method in a therapist's repertoire for trauma processing.

Key Benefits

Imagery

Uses vivid visualizations to engage clients without overwhelming them.

Exposure

Incorporates essential exposure elements, helping clients confront traumatic memories safely.

Evidence-informed

A 2023 study demonstrated large effect size in reducing PTSD symptoms over 8 weeks.

Minimal disclosure

Does not require detailed verbal disclosure of trauma content, which some clients prefer.

Who is this for?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Supporting clients in processing distressing memories.

Integrating it into your practice

Imagery Setup

The client is invited to imagine watching a film of their traumatic memory, beginning just before the event took place.

Distancing

They observe the event as though from a safe distance — for example, visualizing the scene on a cinema screen.

Rewinding

After the memory plays through, the client mentally rewinds it rapidly back to the starting point.

Repetition

This process may be repeated several times, depending on the client's experience and level of residual distress.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

The Rewind Technique is based on principles of imaginal exposure and psychological distancing. Clients are guided to visualize their traumatic memory as if watching a film, then mentally “rewind” it in reverse. This dissociative structure may help to reduce emotional arousal while enabling engagement with avoided material (Muss, 1991).

The technique may operate through memory reconsolidation rather than extinction. Reconsolidation refers to a process where a briefly reactivated memory becomes modifiable, allowing its emotional intensity to be altered. Since Rewind uses short memory activation without prolonged exposure, this mechanism is considered plausible (Kindt & van Emmerik, 2016; Monfils & Holmes, 2018).

Recent evidence supports the clinical use of rewind, showing meaningful symptom reduction and strong potential as a time-efficient, scalable trauma intervention (Astill Wright et al., 2023). While more research is needed to confirm its mechanisms and compare it directly with established treatments, rewind offers a structured, low-disclosure approach that aligns well with trauma-focused therapy principles.

What's inside

A description of how the rewind technique can be delivered in a clinical research setting.
An outline of the typical structure and components of the technique.

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FAQs

An imaginal exposure intervention where clients visualize and mentally “rewind” their traumatic memory to reduce distress.

A 2023 RCT showed significant symptom reduction in PTSD with a large effect size after 8 weeks of treatment. However, further head-to-head trials against CBT-TF or EMDR are still needed.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

By integrating the rewind technique with conventional exposure methods, therapists can enhance treatment flexibility, helping clients safely navigate traumatic memories. It provides:

A novel method for managing traumatic distress.
A complementary approach to established evidence-based therapies.
An adaptable tool to augment therapeutic toolkits.

References And Further Reading

Adams, S., & Allan, S. (2018). Muss’ rewind treatment for trauma: Multi-site pilot study. Journal of Mental Health, 27(5), 468–474.
Astill Wright, L., Barawi, K., Kitchiner, N., Kitney, D., Lewis, C., Roberts, A., Roberts, N. P., Simon, N., Ariti, C., Nussey, I., Muss, D., & Bisson, J. I. (2023). Rewind for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Depression and anxiety, 2023, 6279649. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/6279649
Hossack, A., & Bentall, R. P. (1996). Elimination of posttraumatic symptomatology by relaxation and visual-kinesthetic dissociation. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 9(1), 99–110.
Muss, D. C. (1991). A new technique for treating PTSD. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 30, 91–92.

Unified Protocol For Transdiagnostic Treatment Of Emotional Disorders In Adolescents

Rewind Technique

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Professional version

Overview

Why Use This Resource?