NHS Study Validates Therapeutic Technique Used By PTSD Resolution

A significant new study published in BMJ Military Health has provided peer-reviewed validation for the Rewind technique in treating military veterans with PTSD - confirming the effectiveness of an approach that PTSD Resolution has been incorporating within Human Givens Therapy (HGT) for the past 20 years.

Welcome Research from NHS Wales

The study, conducted by Veterans' NHS Wales at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, treated 10 military veterans using the Rewind technique and found significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, depression, and insomnia after an average of just three sessions.

PTSD Resolution welcomes this important research as independent validation of a therapeutic technique the charity has long incorporated in its treatment programmes, and which has been validated through real world evidence documented in peer-reviewed journals including Occupational Medicine.

"We greatly appreciate this NHS research, which provides clinical evidence for what we've observed in practice over two decades," says Malcolm Hanson, Clinical Director of PTSD Resolution. "The Rewind technique evaluated in this study forms a core element of the Human Givens Therapy approach we've been using successfully since our founding."

Two Decades of Experience Meet Clinical Validation

While the NHS study represents the first formal evaluation of the Rewind technique with UK military veterans, PTSD Resolution has been incorporating it within HGT to treat over 4,500 veterans, reservists and family members since 2009.

The NHS findings align remarkably with PTSD Resolution's long-standing experience:

• No dropouts: All 10 veterans in the NHS study completed treatment, mirroring PTSD Resolution's 82% completion rate demonstrated in a wider study of over 400 veterans
• Rapid results: The study's average of 3 sessions corresponds with PTSD Resolution's average of 6-7 sessions for comprehensive HGT treatment (of which Rewind may form a part)
• Broad impact: Both the study and PTSD Resolution's data show improvements beyond PTSD to include depression and insomnia

The Rewind Technique Within Human Givens Therapy

The Rewind technique uses guided imagery to help process traumatic memories without requiring detailed disclosure - a principle that has been integral to Human Givens Therapy since its development. Veterans imagine watching their traumatic memory on a cinema screen, then mentally 'rewind' it rapidly back to a safe starting point.

Colonel Tony Gauvain (Retired), Chairman and Co-Founder of PTSD Resolution, explains: "When we established PTSD Resolution, we recognised that Human Givens Therapy, which incorporates the essence of the Rewind technique, offered veterans something unique - effective trauma resolution without having to verbally relive or re-tell their experiences. This NHS study now provides the clinical validation for what we've witnessed helping thousands of veterans."

Building on Established Practice

Malcolm Hanson, Clinical Director of PTSD Resolution, notes: "The Human Givens approach we've employed encompasses the Rewind technique evaluated in this study, but within a broader therapeutic framework that addresses veterans' emotional needs comprehensively. It's gratifying to see NHS research confirming the effectiveness of these core principles."

The charity's extensive track record demonstrates the real-world application of these therapeutic principles:

• Over 4,500 veterans treated since establishment
• 79% reliable improvement in symptoms
• 66% recovery rate for PTSD cases
• Average treatment cost of just £940 per veteran
• Treatment typically begins within 12 days of registration

Significance for Veterans' Mental Health

Dr Gwen O'Connor, lead author of the NHS study, suggests that the Rewind technique could serve as a "first-line PTSD treatment to help with managing military mental health service waiting times." This recommendation aligns with PTSD Resolution's long-standing rapid-access model.

The researchers note that the technique "may also provide a time-efficient intervention compared with alternative trauma-focused therapies," which typically require 8-12 sessions - an efficiency PTSD Resolution has demonstrated through two decades of practice.

Collaborative Progress in Evidence-based Veterans' Care

PTSD Resolution views this NHS research as an important step in building evidence-based support for veterans' mental health treatment. The charity has consistently worked to document outcomes and contribute to the evidence base, making this independent NHS validation particularly welcome, and worthy of note by NICE.

"This study represents exactly the kind of research collaboration needed in the veterans' mental health sector," says Charles Highett, CEO of PTSD Resolution. "While we continue delivering HGT incorporating these proven techniques, we appreciate researchers taking the time to formally evaluate and publish findings that can inform wider practice."

Immediate Access to Proven Treatment

Veterans don't need to wait for further studies to access these evidence-based approaches. PTSD Resolution continues to offer free treatment incorporating the Rewind technique within comprehensive Human Givens Therapy, delivered by 200 qualified therapists across the UK.

The combination of NHS clinical validation and PTSD Resolution's two decades of practical experience provides veterans with confidence that effective, rapid treatment is available now.

Ends

Editors notes

PTSD Resolution: Free, Prompt, Confidential and Effective treatment for Military Post-Traumatic Stress

PTSD Resolution, Charity No. 1202649, provides therapy for the mental welfare of Forces’ Veterans, Reservists and their families. Treatment is free, effective and delivered promptly and locally through a network of 200 therapists nationwide, and also by phone and internet. The charity can also work with organisations to help the mental welfare of their non-veteran staff, by arrangement.

Founded in 2009, the charity is accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists to the Quality Network for Veterans Mental Health Services (QNVMHS). It has had over 3,500 referrals to date, and delivers therapy in an average of seven sessions, with major number of cases seeing an improvement to where the client and therapist agree that no further therapy is required.

The charity is one of the only organisations to provide therapy to veterans suffering with addiction issues or who are in prison - as well as to family members, including partners and children, who may experience the symptoms of trauma from living with a traumatised veteran.

PTSD Resolution has a uniquely ‘lean’ operation, with no salaried staff or assets - funds are used to deliver therapy and for essential research and public information.

Contact www.PTSDresolution.org