What’s the Difference Between Counselling Therapy and TRTP?

An In-Depth Comparison of Traditional Counselling & TRTP

When seeking treatment for mental health issues, it’s crucial to understand the various therapeutic approaches available. Traditional counseling and The Richards Trauma Process (TRTP) are two distinct modalities. Counseling generally encompasses a broad spectrum of practices aimed at helping individuals with specific, often short-term issues. It typically focuses on problem-solving and is facilitated through structured sessions and often described as “talk therapy”. On the other hand, TRTP is a distinctive therapeutic technique that is structured and stepwise, specifically designed to address the deep-seated effects of trauma which may have manifested in the form of anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other related mental health conditions.

What is “therapy”?

Therapy, a term often used interchangeably with counseling, tends to be more long-term and can delve into varied behavioral health issues. TRTP, however, sets itself apart by undertaking a journey that purportedly provides quick and effective resolution of traumatic stress responses within a framework that includes a defined number of sessions. For those who have encountered persistent psychological distress that hasn’t been resolved through other forms of therapy, TRTP might be a viable alternative.

Defining Counselling and TRTP

Counselling therapy and TRTP (The Richards Trauma Process) are distinct approaches to mental health and healing that cater to different needs and aspects of psychological well-being. They both serve crucial roles in the therapeutic landscape.

Basics of Counselling Therapy

Counselling therapy is a collaborative effort between the counselor and the individual, focusing on specific problems and offering guidance on resolving issues. It typically involves short-term sessions where therapists help clients explore and understand their behavior and patterns that disrupt their daily life. In this form of psychotherapy, clients work on developing strategies to change behavior or cope with difficult situations.  It is therefore a behavioural modification therapy. Common types of this sort of counselling would include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

Understanding the TRTP Approach

The TRTP approach is a more specialized, step-by-step method emphasizing the resolution of trauma and related psychological disorders. It integrates components of psychotherapy to effectively address the root causes of trauma, thereby facilitating profound and lasting change. For individuals seeking assistance through TRTP, services such as MindRenew.co can offer support, providing a platform to book a consultation call online with first assessment call free of charge.

TRTP™ initially deals with the underlying, unconscious core beliefs which keep a person stuck in patterns of thought, emotion and behaviour.

In dealing with this at the beginning of the process, self-sabotage is avoided during the following therapy.

TRTP™ then takes the emotional charge from the past, moving the client to a place of empowerment in relation to the trauma. Because deep imagination is used, the therapist can then speak directly to the body and to the unconscious.

The client is shifted from fight/flight/freeze and moved to an empowered, self-regulated state. The sympathetic nervous system is calmed. The memory of the trauma is placed firmly in the past.
The client quickly moves from their state of fight, flight, freeze – ‘I’m not safe!’  To, ‘It’s over.  I’m safe now…’  Calm returns, on all levels. Symptoms cease.

TRTP™ does not merely address the symptoms of trauma. It deals with the underlying cause of the problem, removing the emotional charge from the past and returning the person to a state of empowerment, returning the sympathetic nervous system to calm.” (Credit: The Richards Trauma Process)

KEY PRINCIPLES & METHODS

When exploring the distinctions between counselling therapy and The Richards Trauma Process (TRTP), understanding the foundational principles and methodologies of each approach is important. These practices differ not only in their techniques but also in the foundations of their theoretical frameworks.

Framework of Counselling Therapy

Counselling therapy typically revolves around talk therapy methods. These encompass a variety of approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, and psychodynamic therapy, which aims to uncover and address unconscious thoughts. Both approaches involve a process of self-discovery and mindfulness, encouraging clients to gain insight into their behaviors and thoughts with the guidance of a qualified professional. Mindful techniques are often incorporated, emphasizing present-moment awareness and acceptance.

Core Aspects of The Richards Trauma Process

TRTP, on the other hand, is a specific therapeutic process that operates on a different set of principles. It is designed to address severe trauma by altering the way traumatic memories are stored in the mind. This process entails guiding individuals through structured stages to confront their trauma-related memories, empowering them by changing the associated emotional charge and removing the grip these memories hold on an individual’s psyche. Through this treatment, one’s sense of safety and power is restored, often in fewer sessions than traditional psychotherapy might require.

For individuals seeking a guided approach to overcome traumatic experiences, MindRenew.co offers the professional support necessary to embark on the healing journey. Prospective clients can book a consultation call to learn how TRTP can facilitate profound and lasting change.  Clients may often opt to have a combination of counselling pre-TRTP sessions followed by the full TRTP process.

Practical Differences

When distinguishing traditional counseling from The Richards Trauma Process (TRTP), it’s essential to consider the structure and duration of the sessions. Traditional counseling is typically centered around managing specific issues through growth, while TRTP is a more intensive approach aimed at resolving mental health conditions and trauma.

Counselling Sessions Structure

Counseling sessions are designed to be collaborative, with the counselor facilitating a space for clients to explore and understand their feelings and behaviors. These discussions may focus on resolving specific issues, fostering personal growth, or managing mental health conditions. The setting is usually relaxed and the sessions are paced according to the client’s needs and the progress they are making.

Procedure and Duration of TRTP

On the other hand, The Richards Trauma Process is a more structured treatment designed for rapid results. TRTP, which MindRenew.co offers for those seeking to address deeply rooted trauma, follows a predetermined set of steps within a short number of sessions. This process is known for being a dynamic and long-term treatment that can bring about significant changes in a relatively short period, making it a distinct approach different from traditional therapy methods.  TRTP has been shown to be highly successful if done via video conference eg zoom so there is no need to physically attend the therapist’s office.

Training and Practice of Counsellors and Therapists

Counsellors typically possess a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, followed by additional specialized training in counselling. If they are registered, they must adhere to their particular organisations professional standards.  Counsellors in general otherwise have recognized codes of practice, ethics and procedures they are trained to follow.  Therapists, including psychologists, often pursue further education, with many holding doctoral degrees in psychology. Psychologists are distinguished by their comprehensive clinical experience and in-depth understanding of mental health conditions, therapeutic techniques, and psychological assessments.

Training and Practice of TRTP Practitioners

The Richards Trauma Process, or TRTP, is implemented by practitioners who have completed specialized training in this particular method. TRTP practitioners are not confined to a single profession; they can be counsellors, psychologists, or even psychiatrists who have sought out this additional practice. It is crucial they undergo rigorous instruction to navigate the multi-step process of TRTP, which necessitates a blend of therapeutic principles and practical skills. TRTP Practitioners additionally have weekly or fortnightly training from the founder Judith Richards, to enhance their expertise and keep up to date with how to approach difficult cases. Those in need of the TRTP approach can consider MindRenew.co as a reliable service provider to book a consultation call, aiming to facilitate recovery from trauma through methodically designed steps.

Considerations for Choosing Treatment

When deciding on a mental health treatment plan, individuals need to weigh several factors and ask crucial questions to determine the best path forward. This section guides through the key aspects of selecting a suitable therapy, be it conventional counseling or The Richards Trauma Process (TRTP).

COST, MEDICARE REBATES & PRIVATE HEALTH COVER

  • Therapy Type: Not all professional indemnity insurance plans cover every form of therapy. Traditional counseling is widely recognized and typically covered, whereas TRTP might be less commonly included.  At MindRenew.co we have you covered as TRTP is covered for such professional insurance.
  • Medicare or private health rebates: Check with your health insurance policy cover if any part of TRTP or counselling is covered.   Medicare generally does not rebate for TRTP. However even with counselling provided by a psychologist you will find that there is a gap between rebate and the actual cost so the client has to pay between $50 and $120 per hour anyway.  TRTP if not covered by a private health fund is paid directly and privately will generally cost $100 per hour including preparation of the personalized therapy.
  • NDIS plans– quite a few plans allow for and pay TRTP therapy in addition to traditional counselling.  Check with your NDIS plan manager.
PERSONAL PREFERENCE OF CLIENT- 2 ASPECTS TO CONSIDER:
  • Approach: Some clients may prefer the structured approach of traditional counseling, while others might opt for the dynamic, person-centered methodology of TRTP.
  • Therapist Relationship: The efficacy of therapy often hinges on the rapport between therapist and client.  So you really want to have a therapist that can relate to you and that you are comfortable with sharing personal history and current problems.

For those considering TRTP, MindRenew.co provides detailed information and the opportunity to meet your therapist; just book a consultation call without charge to ask about TRTP and discuss your needs.

IS TRTP SUITABLE FOR YOU?

TRTP is suitable for clients who have the following symptoms:

  • Anxiety or Chronic Stress Triggers
  • Depression, PSTD or OCD
  • Unresolved Grief
  • Gambling, Food, Shopping and Sexual Addictions
    Drug or Alcohol addictions (suitable for post rehab unless already abstaining)

TRTP can also be integrated with your current treatment plan that you have with your doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor.

HOW ARE TRTP SESSIONS CONDUCTED?

TRTP is a 3 stage process done once and for all within one month.  Is only effective if all 3 stages are completed. Sessions are prepared in advance and personalized to the client’s profile and history. Three to four appointments are spread out over a period of one month. Complimentary follow up calls are often offered  1-3 months later  to review improvements and progress.

Get In Contact to Discuss TRTP: https://mindrenew.co/contact/

 

 

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