The Rewind Technique for Trauma and PTSD
Rewind Therapy
Rewind Therapy, also known as the Rewind Technique, is a gentle and effective approach that helps individuals process traumatic experiences in a safe and controlled way.
Trauma and PTSD can feel overwhelming, often leaving us stuck in a cycle of distressing memories and emotions.
This method has gained recognition for its ability to reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories without requiring you to relive them in detail.
What is the Rewind Technique?
The Rewind Technique is a therapeutic method designed to help people struggling with trauma, PTSD, or phobias.
It works by allowing the brain to reprocess distressing memories, storing them as neutral, non-threatening events. This process helps reduce the emotional and physical responses often triggered by reminders of trauma.
Unlike traditional therapies, the Rewind Technique for PTSD does not require you to repeatedly discuss or re-experience the traumatic event. Instead, it uses a dissociative process, enabling you to view the memory from a safe and detached perspective.
This makes it a particularly appealing option for those who find it difficult to talk about their experiences.
How does Rewind Therapy Work?
The process is simple yet highly effective and typically involves the following steps:
Relaxation: I will guide you into a deeply relaxed state, often using breathing exercises or guided imagery. This creates a safe and calm environment for the process.
Visualisation: You’ll imagine watching a "movie" of your traumatic memory on a screen, as though you are an observer rather than a participant. This step helps to reduce the emotional intensity of the memory.
Rewinding: I will guide you to mentally "rewind" the memory, playing it backward in your mind. This is repeated several times, often at different speeds, to further neutralise the emotional charge.
Reintegration: Once the memory has been processed, you’ll be gently brought back to the present moment, often feeling a sense of relief and reduced anxiety when recalling the event.
Why Choose Me As Your Counsellor?
I have undertaken further training in Rewind Therapy, so if you’re struggling with trauma or PTSD, the Rewind Technique could be a helpful option.
It’s particularly beneficial if you prefer a non-invasive approach or find it difficult to talk about your experiences.
I have many years of experience helping people with trauma and related issues. During our sessions I provide a safe and confidential space so that you are comfortable to work towards the changes you would like to make.
I am an Accredited Member of BACP (No. 380481), which stands for British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. This means that I have undergone rigorous assessment and evaluation to meet the BACP's strict standards for professional practice, so you can rest assured that you are choosing a qualified and ethical counsellor.
I understand how overwhelming it can feel to take that first step toward getting help. My approach is warm, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs.
Counselling in Chester and Heswall
If you’d like to explore therapy, I’m here to support you every step of the way. You don’t have to face this alone — let’s work together to help you find relief and move towards a brighter future.
I offer in-person therapy sessions in Chester, Heswall and Online Counselling Sessions across the UK and Europe, so you can choose what feels most comfortable for you. The choice is always yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Counselling is a talking therapy that can go a long way in helping people come to terms with problems they are facing. The sessions give you time to talk about anything that is going on for you in a safe and confidential way.
This might be because you want to change things, there might be something you are struggling to come to terms with - whatever the reason counselling could well be the answer for you.
By talking about the things that are going on for you, you will be able to get a better understanding of your thoughts and feelings, while at the same time I will help empower you to identify new solutions, allowing you to facilitate change and have the life you would like/deserve.
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I work with young people aged 16+ and adults.
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I provide face-to-face counselling in Chester and Heswall. I also provide Online Therapy.
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Yes, I provide Online Counselling Sessions via Zoom, or sessions by phone.
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Yes, I am an Accredited Member of BACP (No. 380481), which stands for British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. This means that I have undergone rigorous assessment and evaluation to meet the BACP's strict standards for professional practice, so you can rest assured that you are choosing a qualified and ethical counsellor.
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I have a special interest and further training in:
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
All forms of historic child abuse and trauma including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, neglect
I also have experience of helping people with:
Anger management
Attachment issues
Bereavement and grief, including pet bereavement
Bullying (School and workplace)
Depression
Gender identity
Family relationships
Self-harm
Self-esteem tress
Suicidal thoughts
Trauma
Additionally, I am a Rewind Practitioner which means that I have been trained to use the Rewind Technique to treat trauma and phobias.
I am also a Survivor to Thriver Practitioner which means that I can help individuals who have experienced trauma to move beyond simply ‘surviving’.
In my time as a counsellor, I have worked with so many different issues.
Whatever it is, please just reach out so I can give you the support you deserve. Find out more about my experience and qualifications.
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I provide a confidential and safe space so that you are comfortable to work towards the changes you would like to make.
Everything you share with me is confidential unless you mention anything which means you or someone you know is likely to come to serious harm, you mention anything to do with the drug trafficking act, the children’s act or money laundering.
View my privacy policy to understand more about how your personal data is processed and kept safe.
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Our first session together will include an assessment so that I understand more about the challenges you are facing, and at the same time it gives you the opportunity to see if I am the right counsellor for you. At the end of the first session you can decide if you would like to continue working with me and we can arrange further appointments.
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The number of sessions you will need will very much depend on your individual circumstances. For example, someone who needs help with anxiety might not need as many sessions as someone who has experienced years of childhood trauma. I can however say that I will be open and honest with you throughout and we can look at this together. Regular reviews are done to see how well things are going and what the next steps will be. Remember the choice is always yours.
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Before you first session I will send you information by email that hopefully covers everything you need to know before we meet.
During your first session we will spend some time going through the counselling agreement together. This gives us a chance to look at what I can offer you as a therapist and gives me an idea what it is you are hoping to get from our time together.
I offer a free 15-minute initial consultation by video or phone whichever suits, giving us a chance to have a chat before our first session.
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The main difference between a counsellor, therapist, and psychotherapist lies in their focus and depth of work.
Counsellors typically provide short-term, solution-focused support for specific issues like stress or grief, using practical tools and coping strategies.
Therapist is a broad term that can refer to anyone providing therapy, including counsellors and psychotherapists, and their approach varies depending on their training.
Psychotherapists, however, focus on deeper, long-term emotional work, exploring the root causes of issues such as trauma or chronic mental health conditions. They often have more extensive training and work with both mild and severe psychological challenges.
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Yes, of course. You are not locked into any contracts and the choice is always yours.
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For full details visit my pricing page.
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For cancellations 24 hours’ notice is required.
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Get in touch to arrange a free informal 15-minute chat about what you are looking for and to see if we are happy to work together.
Take the First Step Towards Feeling Better
If you’re ready to explore how counselling could help, get in touch. We’ll have a chat about what’s going on for you and how I can support you. There’s no pressure — just a chance to see if this feels like the right fit for you.
You don’t have to face this alone. Let’s take that first step together.
Annabelle
Counselling & Therapy In-Person & Online
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Chester, Cheshire
Face-to-face sessions available in Chester.
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Heswall, Wirral
Face-to-face sessions available in Hewsall.
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Online Counselling
Therapy online via Zoom or phone.