Rapid resolution therapy is a somewhat young evidence-based technique that aims to help eliminate the negative impacts of past experiences in the lives of clients. Through the use of clinical hypnosis, providers apply techniques that reduce emotional pain in a short amount of time. The term “rapid” is an accurate descriptor of RRT as this type of therapy is only meant to last a few sessions at most.
The idea behind Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) is that when traumatic events occur in one’s life, those events can persist in that person’s mind for years and years of their life. This kind of experience is commonly found in individuals suffering from PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
In the past, some methods for treating trauma-centered issues have unintentionally done more harm than good in the life of the suffering individual.
Rapid resolution therapy is a fast and effective form of treatment that aims to resolve trauma for an individual so that they can successfully move on from it and live their life. This therapy hinges on innovation, multi-level communication, and specialized tools that specifically address traumatic experiences tied to an individual’s behaviors.
Created and developed by Jon Connelly, a licensed clinical social worker, RRT has a positive history behind it. Today, Connelly trains therapists on what effective treatments for Post Traumatic Stress look like and how to apply them to a number of different experiences.
Who Does it Benefit?
Originally Combat veterans/Sexual Abuse Victims
Rapid resolution therapy was initially created for sexual abuse victims and combat veterans. These groups of people encounter frequent traumatic experiences that can impact them for the rest of their lives. It is common to hear about combat veterans who struggle to return to normal after coming home from war after seeing tremendously terrible events.
Connelly founded the Institute for Survivors of Sexual Violence, His experiences with this organization and the experiences of combat veterans were the motivation that led to him founding the principles of Rapid Resolution Therapy.
Its use today is for anyone suffering trauma-related conditions that have a negative impact on their life such as disruptive flashbacks or increased anxiety. This can be accomplished in as little as three sessions.
How to Tell if Trauma is Still Affecting a Client:
When impacted by trauma, there is no single way that it can continue to impact someone’s life. There are some common signs that an individual might be impacting a client.
Physical Symptoms of Trauma:
- Tiredness despite rest
- Headaches
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Restlessness
Emotional Symptoms of Trauma:
- Hypersensitivity
- Disconnected from self
- Helplessness of hopelessness
- Triggered by situations similar to trauma
- Persistent anger
- intrusive thoughts related to trauma
- symptoms of depression
Other Symptoms:
- Weight Gain/Loss
- Chronic Pain
- Hypervigilance
- Fear of Rejection
- Lack of or Poor Personal Relationships
The Foundations of RTT Application:
Rapid resolution therapy differs from some lines of thinking in the sense that the theory believes that events do not cause emotions to keep occurring, but the individual’s own conscious and unconscious mind solicits those emotions.
This is an important distinction when practicing rapid resolution therapy. By approaching trauma with this lens, it means that a person can learn to gain control over their emotions rather than be held captive by their trauma experience.
For example, if it were true that experiences are what control emotions, then every individual would react to similar experiences in identical ways. If a group was ready to board a plane, and the flight was delayed, then every person would react the same because they are all experiencing the inconvenience. This is not true. Some people are angry, some people are patient, and others have entirely different experiences. This means that events do not control emotions and that individuals have some sort of control over them.
Rapid resolution therapy utilizes symbolic imagery and metaphors to reteach a person’s mind how to respond to their trauma so that they have control over that response.
What RTT Targets:
Unwanted Behaviors
For individuals who feel out of control of their behaviors when they are facing a trauma-related experience, RRT can help reconstruct responses. The proper application helps teach clients new techniques and perspectives that help them navigate their future responses as well.
Emotional Learning
Emotional learning is how an individual learned and conditioned themselves to respond to their trauma. This might have been a coping mechanism to stay safe throughout different traumatic experiences. Emotional learning is a huge reason many clients respond in similar ways that they did when the initial trauma took place.
RRT is a growing practice in the mental health community that is helping clients who are struggling with PTSD, anxiety, and more.
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