Watching the Horizon programme last Tuesday, I was reminded of how many people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) continue to suffer unnecessarily; because they are being treated with outdated ineffective treatments, or do not have access to being treated with the ‘Rewind technique.’

Held by many to be one of the most effective psychological tools in the West it can demolish the harrowing ubiquitous symptoms of PTSD in one session. It is non voyeuristic and protects the client and therapist from exposure to any harrowing recall.

The psychiatrist in the documentary managed to bring a young girl’s debilitating symptoms down by ‘a third,’ over six sessions. He used an old method of getting the patient to take a drug then recall the trauma. Statistics from a recent study in Ireland show that from just one session of the Rewind, the participating client’s symptoms were greatly diminished.

Having seen traumatized individuals who cannot even speak about the cause, (and they don’t need to) I think the process of deliberately exposing someone to terrifying memories is nothing short of barbaric. Anyway will get off my soap box now and say that..

Mark and I taught the ‘Rewind’ technique once again this weekend, therefore adding to the growing band of therapists who can confidently and successfully work with PTSD and phobia’s. Hoorah!

We use dolls, our acting skills (ha ha) and few creative props to ensure our students learn the rewind technique easily. The students who practiced on each other gave some great feedback on the day……..needle phobia gone as was the traumatic recollection of a bomb disaster. Great start eh?

Although it is primarily known for treating PTSD and phobic conditions, the technique is also effective for when someone experiences anxiety or distressing emotions; caused by thinking about or imagining the stressor.

This pattern can be the anchor for many difficult or depressive episodes in a person’s life. The element that would benefit from the rewind often goes undiagnosed as the medical criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD is complex. So we spent time ensuring our students understand the key questions to ask to uncover when this technique would help a client. A vital skill for any effective therapist.