What is the RTM Protocol?

The RTM Protocol or The Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories is a Protocol developed by Dr. Frank J Bourke with the Research and Recognition Project (R&R Project) who have for many years been researching PTSD and how PTSD symptoms can be treated.

When I first heard about the RTM Protocol I was like “WOW!! It really works?”

I was excited but also a bit dubious. The statistics were saying that there was over a 90% success rate or lasting remission in clients. If it worked then it was very significant for all those people suffering significant PTSD following a traumatic event with the symptoms (flashbacks, dissociation, night terrors) and feelings of fear, helplessness, and terror. I kept an open mind but thought this could be a game-changer!!
I am a bit of a research nerd and when I saw that statistic, I thought I would investigate further. There is a lot and I mean a lot of research done by Dr. Bourke and his team at the R&R Project. So, with my ‘research head’ on I went through as much as I can and……it was the gold standard and significant!! I could not fault the findings and with lots of support, testimonials, and also support for this from Senate I thought there must be something in it!!

The most significant thing about the protocol was that at no point would the client fully re-experience the event, so they were not being re-traumatised at all. There were no drugs involved and the protocol could be completed in as little as three 90-minute sessions.

Using a relaxed reimaging process, I will help the client to separate the traumatic feelings they are experiencing from the traumatic memory. I will guide the client to dissociate themselves from the traumatic memories while separated from feelings of fear, terror, or helplessness, make changes, so that the memory no longer signals fight, flight, or danger.  I found that following the RTM treatment, clients find they are no longer feel preoccupied with the traumatic events that were bothering them, and their nightmares and flashbacks no longer trouble them.

Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories Aims

The RTM Treatment aims to:

• Alleviate flashbacks and nightmares
• Eliminate re-living stressful events, including negative physical reactions like sweating, muscular tensions, and heart-pounding.
•  Improved sleep, concentration, emotional control.
• Reduced hypervigilance
•  Increased freedom in thought and action

So, I completed my intense and enjoyable training becoming a Certified Practitioner of the Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories Protocol.

I have found that the clients I have conducted the RTM treatment with have found this very beneficial and for some life-changing. I volunteer for Icarus Charity and see many clients with PTSD due to either serving in the Military, NHS, Police, or other Blue Light Services and this has been greatly beneficial to them. I was dubious at first but can see the RTM definitely being a game-changer and it has helped so many people and has probably saved many people’s lives too.

I use the RTM Protocol along with counselling and will carry out an assessment to see if you would be suitable for the treatment, I DO NOT diagnose PTSD.