What is RTT® and how does it work?
RTT® works by accessing the subconscious mind in identifying the root causes that have contributed to the issue. In many cases these root causes can go back to scenes from childhood. Once the scenes have been identified as the root cause, the tools and techniques used in RTT® enable the client to identify the feelings attached to the root cause and what negative and destructive beliefs this may have created about themselves. By gaining an understanding of the root cause it is then possible to reprogramme the mind by erasing, eradicating and eliminating the issues at their core. Your mind is hardwired to respond to the words you tell it and the pictures you create and so by accessing the subconscious mind with RTT® your mind can be reprogrammed to flip all the negative limiting beliefs into more positive empowering ones and rewire your mind towards achieving what you want. Breakthroughs are achieved by uncovering the root cause, rather than just addressing the symptoms of the presenting issue. This is why RTT® can have such a powerful and positive impact. RTT® therapists are equipped with an array of techniques and tools that are crucial, not just in teaching clients how to communicate with the subconscious mind, but also in directly accessing and working with clients to overcome blocks and reprogram their mind for success. More information about RTT® can be found here.
What happens before your RTT® session?
If you are new client then you will have a clarity call with Dr Shyra, prior to your first RTT® session. You will receive an email with information to read ahead of your RTT® session. There will be a Waiver and Terms and Conditions form to sign. There is also an online form that must be completed at least 24 hours before your first session. This provides some initial information about you, relevant medical history and the key issue you would like to address. You will be asked to provide lots of details describing the positive impact on your life by addressing and resolving the issue that you're here to address. This will help craft a powerful, personalised hypnosis script for you in preparation for your session.
What happens during the RTT® session?
An RTT® session can last up to 2 hours. Sessions can be conducted either online, via Zoom, which often suits clients better being in a relaxed hypnotic state from the comfort of their home, especially if they are feeling rather relaxed after the session. If you are local to Cheshire, UK and happy to travel then in-person sessions can be arranged too at either Alderley Edge or near Lymm.
We will spend the first 15-20 minutes of the session discussing the issue you want to address with RTT® and getting clear on what you want your life to be like without this issue.
We will then proceed with the hypnosis using Marisa Peer’s rapid induction technique which takes about 5 minutes. You will be fully in control of your actions throughout the session. You will merely be in a deeply relaxed state similar to just before you go to sleep. In this state we can access your subconscious mind where the deep transformational work will occur. I will then regress you to 3 scenes from your past which your subconscious mind will identify as being the root cause of your issue.
Various tools and techniques will be used to uncover the meaning attached to those scenes and understand what limiting beliefs they created in you. We will then flip the meaning attached to those beliefs and use powerful language to erase and eradicate those old behaviours and beliefs. This will be followed by the transformation part which will be where positive empowering suggestions will be presented to your subconscious mind to form new empowering beliefs. This will form your bespoke personalised hypnosis recording which you must make every effort to listen to at least once a day for 21 days. This is part of the therapy and is a crucial aspect in how effective it will be.
You will receive a 15-20 minute personalised hypnosis recording which you must listen to daily for 21 days to wire in the new beliefs. We will contact you the day after your session and around day 7 to check in with you. This will usually be via email or text.
You will then have a follow up appointment at around day 21 which is usually around 15 minutes long to assess your progress. At this stage we will plan your second RTT® session.
What happens after the RTT® session?
Evidence Base for RTT® (Rapid Transformational Therapy®)
At Cheshire Sobriety Clinic, we use Rapid Transformational Therapy® (RTT®) as part of our integrated approach to treating problematic alcohol and drug use. RTT® is a hybrid therapeutic modality developed by Marisa Peer that draws from the most effective principles of hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). While research into RTT® is emerging, there is a growing body of evidence and practitioner-led outcomes suggesting its potential benefits in supporting behavioural and emotional change.
Theoretical Foundations
RTT® is based on established therapeutic techniques including:
-
Clinical hypnotherapy, which has been shown in studies to help with anxiety, stress, pain management, and habit reversal.
-
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is a NICE-recommended treatment for substance misuse disorders.
-
Regression techniques, used to uncover and reframe past limiting beliefs that may contribute to current behaviour.
Outcomes and Observational Data
-
A 2021 internal audit across RTT®-trained practitioners reported client-rated improvements in anxiety (71%), low mood (66%) ¹
-
RTT® has been integrated in private mental health clinics and corporate wellbeing programmes across the UK and internationally, though large-scale clinical trials are still ongoing.
Current Research Status
To date, there are no large-scale clinical trials that evaluate RTT® as a standalone, evidence-based treatment for addiction which have been published in a peer reviewed journal. Therefore, we do not claim RTT is a "cure" for substance use disorders. Instead, we present it as a complementary, therapeutic approach that may support individuals in understanding emotional root causes, reinforcing motivation, and reducing reliance on substances when also used in conjunction with our conscious level work.
Ethical Position
All therapeutic outcomes are individual and influenced by a range of personal and environmental factors. At Cheshire Sobriety Clinic, we are committed to honest, responsible communication which complies with the CAP Code (The UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing) and therefore cannot guarantee specific results. What we can guarantee, is our total commitment in applying our knowledge and skills in helping you to achieve and maintain your treatment goals.
¹ Source: Internal audit by RTT® Training School, 2021 (self-reported outcomes from 350+ practitioners; data available upon request).
Theory of the mind
The unconscious mind
When thinking about consciousness as an iceberg, the deepest point represents the unconscious mind, which holds between 40% and 50% of the mind's overall capacity in terms of influence and power. However, this percentage can vary based on individual experiences and personal growth. Beliefs formed in the unconscious mind drive human behavior, exerting their influence through the subconscious mind into the preconscious and conscious minds. This flow of influence is bidirectional, as information absorbed by the conscious mind can filter down through the preconscious and subconscious levels, eventually becoming ingrained in the unconscious.
The unconscious mind operates in a straightforward manner, it resists deviating from its course unless presented with compelling new information. It is steadfast and discerning, making decisions based on what it believes to be true and certain.
Its primary function can be best described as that of a protector. Continuously analysing gathered data, the unconscious mind strives to make decisions and choices that it deems best for safeguarding the individual.
Delving into trance-like activities provides a gateway to explore the depths of the unconscious. Utilising storytelling, metaphors, symbolism, and imagery can facilitate communication at this profound level.
The subconscious mind
Acting as a mediator in the intricate dance of consciousness, the subconscious mind plays a crucial role in facilitating dialogue between the unconscious and conscious states. Similar to the unconscious mind, it holds about 40% of influence and power.
In the analogy of the iceberg, the subconscious mind occupies the layer just above the unconscious mind, deeply intertwined with its workings. Its pivotal function as a mediator underscores the importance of understanding its role in guiding human behavior.
To pave the way for positive change, we rely on the mediator to advocate for new directions to the unconscious mind. Authenticity and sincerity are essential for effective communication in this process. The language of the subconscious mind is shaped by habits and patterns. Repetition, metaphors, storytelling, symbolism, and imagery serve as valuable tools for establishing effective communication with this aspect of the mind.
Recognising the significance of the preconscious mind in forging a new path, leading to a transformative shift necessary for personal growth and self-realisation, is imperative.
The preconscious mind
The preconscious mind possesses the ability to transcend logic and the senses, straddling the realms of the conscious and unconscious. It emphasises the metaphysical, acknowledging the realm where transformative experiences occur, rather than solely adhering to the limitations of conscious reality.
Unfortunately, for many individuals, the preconscious mind has become marginalised. Modern society's focus on materialism has led to a decline in interest in deeper philosophical and spiritual matters, diminishing the preconscious mind's influence.
When functioning optimally, the preconscious mind acts as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious realms, advocating for conscious developments that could be game-changers. Introspective practices like meditation, yoga nidra, conscious breathing, creative visualisation, mindfulness serve as effective means of communication at this profound level.
The conscious mind
Described as the interface between the external and internal environments, the conscious mind plays a pivotal role in shaping behavior, attitudes, and moods based on interactions with the other aspects of consciousness.
While the conscious mind wields the least influence at 5% to 10%, dominance of the unconscious mind can render the preconscious mind redundant, leading to an expansion of the conscious mind's influence. However, an overemphasis on logic at the expense of emotional subtleties may hinder holistic decision-making.
Engaging in activities that encourage introspection and contemplation allows the conscious mind to process and integrate information effectively. Social conditioning, relationships, and self-image play significant roles in shaping the conscious mind's perception of reality.