RTT® within your recovery programme

STEP 3 · AFTER YOUR SESSION

What happens after your RTT® session?

 

 

Your personalised recording

 

You will normally receive a personalised recording lasting approximately 15 to 20 minutes. You will be encouraged to listen to it regularly, usually once a day for 21 days, as part of the agreed programme.

 

Listen only when you are in a safe and appropriate place. Do not listen while driving, cycling, operating machinery or doing anything that needs your full attention. You can stop listening and contact us if the recording causes unexpected distress or discomfort.

 

 

Follow-up support

 

We will normally contact you the day after the session, and again at around seven days, to ask how you are getting on, usually by email or text. A brief follow-up appointment is usually arranged at around 21 days. This is an opportunity to:

 

• discuss your experience of the session and recording

• review any changes you have noticed

• consider areas where you continue to need support

• decide whether a further RTT® session is appropriate

• coordinate the RTT® work with your wider therapy programme

 

A second session is not automatically assumed to be necessary or effective. The decision is based on your goals, experience, preferences and continuing suitability.

 

 

THE BIGGER PICTURE

RTT® and the wider treatment programme

 

RTT® is not delivered in isolation within our principal treatment programmes. The wider Cheshire Sobriety Clinic approach may include:

 

• individual therapy sessions with John Wilkinson

• motivational and behavioural work

• exploring substance-use patterns and triggers

• harm-reduction or abstinence-focused planning

• emotional regulation and coping strategies

• relapse-management planning

• psychoeducation

• involving family members, where appropriate and with consent

• liaison with, or signposting to, medical services if required

 

The programme is adapted to individual circumstances, and not every person will need, or be suitable for, every element. We do not regard alcohol or drug problems as having one universal cause. Treatment planning considers relevant biological, psychological, emotional, social and environmental factors.

 

 

HONESTY ABOUT THE EVIDENCE

Evidence and limitations of RTT®

 

Research specifically examining RTT® as an intervention for problematic alcohol or drug use is currently limited.

 

We are not aware of large-scale, peer-reviewed clinical trials establishing RTT® as a standalone evidence-based treatment for alcohol dependence, drug dependence or addiction. We therefore do not claim that RTT®:

 

• cures addiction

• resolves a single underlying cause

• works within a fixed number of sessions

• is faster or more effective than established therapies

• prevents relapse

• guarantees abstinence or controlled use

• replaces medical detoxification or specialist addiction care

 

RTT® draws on hypnosis and a range of therapeutic ideas. Evidence relating to an individual component cannot automatically be treated as evidence that the combined RTT® method is effective for addiction.

 

Internal audits, individual case studies, practitioner observations and client testimonials may describe personal experiences, but they do not establish that the same outcome will occur for other clients.

 

We include RTT® because some clients value the opportunity to explore automatic beliefs, emotional responses and personal experiences alongside their conscious-level therapy. Its use is based on individual choice, informed consent and an assessment of suitability.

 

 

OUR ETHICAL POSITION

What we can and can’t promise

 

Every person’s circumstances and response to treatment are different. Outcomes can be influenced by factors including:

 

• the nature and severity of substance use

• physical dependence and withdrawal risk

• mental and physical health

• readiness and motivation for change

• social circumstances and relationships

• engagement with the programme

• other professional or medical support

• events during and after treatment

 

For these reasons, Cheshire Sobriety Clinic cannot guarantee a particular outcome from RTT® or from the wider treatment programme. What we commit to providing is:

 

• an honest explanation of what the service does and does not offer

• an individual assessment of suitability

• appropriately qualified and insured practitioners, John Wilkinson and Dr Shyra Raj

• clear boundaries and informed consent

• confidential and respectful care

• regular review of your goals and progress

• recommendations for alternative or additional support when appropriate

 

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

 

Cheshire Sobriety Clinic provides private outpatient therapeutic support. We do not provide crisis intervention, medically managed detoxification or medically monitored withdrawal. RTT® and the wider programme are not substitutes for medical assessment, psychiatric treatment, prescribed medication or emergency care.

 

Stopping alcohol or benzodiazepines suddenly can be medically dangerous for someone who has developed physical dependence. Do not make an abrupt reduction or stop without appropriate medical advice, and do not stop or change prescribed medication without speaking to your prescriber.

 

RTT® may not be appropriate where someone is acutely unwell, intoxicated, experiencing withdrawal, in immediate crisis, experiencing significant mental health instability or has a history of psychosis. Suitability is considered individually, and further information or input from a GP or another professional may sometimes be recommended.

 

In an emergency, or where there is an immediate risk of harm, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent medical advice, contact NHS 111 or your GP.