Rapid Resolution Therapy: How does it work?

Many are familiar with traditional therapy, characterized by recurrent therapy sessions lasting an average of 45 minutes each. Now mid-Missouri is home to two of a handful of clinicians throughout the state who are certified to provide a different method of therapy: Rapid Resolution Therapy.

RRT is a gentle, respectful and compassionate method of treatment that was founded and developed by Dr. Jon Connelly. Initially developed to treat trauma, the therapy has been tailored to help patients deal with a variety of issues, from anxiety, panic attacks and trauma to depression, grief and stress-related medical problems.

“Cognitive behavioral and solution-oriented therapeutic approaches ignore the ongoing influence of past events on current problems,” says Deborah Middleton, a therapist at Lifesong for Growth and Wellness. “Rapid Resolution Therapy shortcuts traditional therapy by working with all facets of the mind, both the intellectual and the emotional. It is absolutely the quickest, most efficient, life-changing approach to psychological healing.”

Although other methods of therapy are time oriented, RRT is task oriented. Instead of many hourly appointments over weeks, months or sometimes years, an RRT appointment lasts until the symptoms and root cause of the problems are eliminated. According to Middleton, RRT dramatically reduces treatment time because the work is done at such a deep level while engaging both the conscious and subconscious parts of the mind. Traumatic memories can often be cleared in as little as one to three sessions.

RRT is also unique because it doesn’t force patients to emotionally re-experience or relive painful events. First, hypnosis puts patients in a relaxed state. They are then able to stay emotionally present while describing the factual details of the event.

“The power in this method of therapy lies in its ability to influence all parts of the mind so that the mind works in the way that is desired,” Middleton says. “Patients report an immediate difference: a feeling of peace, strength and energy. Immediately after the session, you will feel calm and relaxed.”

Following an RRT session, Middleton says patients begin to notice subtle changes in attitude, choices and overall well-being. They also have a greater sense of control in their lives. Some patients choose to continue with traditional counseling following RRT to stay focused on healthy lifestyle patterns.

As a practitioner of RRT, Middleton has seen many patients experience success. She has helped those with panic attacks and anxiety gain control of their lives, assisted patients through traumas that have resulted in depression and helped individuals lose weight by focusing on living a healthy lifestyle.

“Most people come to sessions due to being stuck and understand that events from the past or irrational worries about the future are causing them to not enjoy life in the here and now,” Middleton says. “Clients actually tell me they had fun and are happy that it was not a painful experience but calming, exciting and joyful to finally be unstuck. They report it is the most relaxing, calming experience they have ever experienced.”