FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

What is the purpose of The Road Back division of The Research and Recognition Project?

 

What is the Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories Protocol (RTM) for PTS? 

 

Does the RTM protocol cure Post-Traumatic Stress?

 

How does the RTM protocol compare to established therapies?

 

What is the current research on the RTM protocol?

 

Where is the RTM Protocol for the treatment of PTS currently being offered?

 

Is there training in the administration of the RTM Protocol for Counselors and Professional Therapists available?

 

 

 

 

 

What is the purpose of The Road Back division of The Research and Recognition Project?

 

The Road Back, a Path to Success is a subdivision of The Research and Recognition Project. The Goal is to develop and fund our promising scientific treatment that removes the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress. It is our outreach to Veterans for the treatment of PTS using the innovative RTM protocol. Even though clinical and anecdotal reports indicate that the procedure eliminates flashbacks and nightmares in 75% to 85% of clients in less than five treatment, it has never been subjected to scientific evaluation. So, in this phase, we are beginning with a scientific investigation of the treatment. We understand that PTS is more than just flashbacks and nightmares so, when the experimental trial is over and the funding becomes available, we hope to operate as a full spectrum trauma clinic where we will be treating many of the other cognitive problems that accompany PTS like rage, shame, guilt, and hyper-vigilance.

 

Beyond these, we are already setting up a wide network of referral agencies to handle things like shelter, employment, substance abuse and family problems. [Back]

 

What is the Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories Protocol (RTM) for PTS?

 

The RTM Protocol (Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories) is an innovative treatment for PTS and other fear-based problems. It differs from other treatments in that it appears to cure the nightmares and Flashbacks normally associated with PTS in 75% to 85% of cases. The treatment is drug-free, brief and non-traumatizing. Although there are brief accesses to the traumatic memories, staff is trained to prevent retraumatization. For a complete and accessible explanation of the protocol, please click here.

 

A more scientific and technical explanation is provided here. PTS comes in a variety of forms, both simple and complex. In general, this intervention works on the symptoms associated with simple PTS that are characterized by two or more nightmares per month and one or more flashbacks per month. It also requires that the emotional response to the trauma memory be sufficiently intense that it is difficult or impossible to tell the whole story. Here is a link to further information about PTS, Simple and Complex from Steve Andreas. [Back]

 

 

Does the RTM protocol cure Post-Traumatic Stress?

 

Our information indicates that it eliminates the symptoms of flashbacks and nightmares in 75% to 85% of cases. These changes are generally permanent. If other symptoms are still linked to the nightmares and flashbacks , they may be positively influenced as well. However, the protocol only claims to be effective for the flashbacks and nightmares and the stress reactions directly related to them. [Back]

 

How does the RTM protocol compare to established therapies?

 

Established therapies for PTS generally include things like exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral interventions and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. The bad news is that few of them work well. All of the interventions mentioned, although well-researched and extensively employed, do not cure the problem and their best efforts provide some symptom alleviation in 30% to 50% of clients. A basic overview of the effectiveness of some of the other treatments as compared to the RTM protocol can be found here. [Back]

 

What is the current research on the RTM protocol?

 

Research to date has been sparse. Most of it has been in non-controlled clinical applications. In all, there are fewer than ten reports in the scientific journals. They can all be reviewed here, and here. [Back]

 

 

Where is the RTM Protocol for the treatment of PTS currently being offered?

 

At present the protocol is being offered to Veterans who are eligible for the experimental trial at the Road Back Trauma Clinic in Middletown, New York. Unfortunately, the trial is only open to Veterans with a pre-existing diagnosis of PTS characterized primarily by flashbacks (at least once a month) and nightmares (at least twice a month) and who experience a great deal of difficulty recounting their traumatic experience. If you think that you qualify or would be interested in an intake interview, please call 845-207-5178. [Back]

 

Is there training in the administration of the RTM Protocol for Counselors and Professional Therapists available?

 

Part of our plan is to provide standardized training for the protocol at a Master’s level with College credit. For the moment however, training in the technique is being provided by Steve Andreas, one of the original developers of the technique. Here are links to his virtual and in person trainings. [Back]