This page is for general education and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified professional. If this is an emergency, call 911 or 988.
Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) is a proprietary, brief therapeutic approach — developed by Dr. Jon Connelly — that aims to resolve the lingering emotional effects of trauma and other distressing experiences, sometimes in just one or a few sessions. It draws on guided imagery, relaxation, storytelling, and hypnosis-style techniques. It is important to be clear up front: RRT is a less established approach than therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or EMDR, and independent, peer-reviewed research support is limited.
Key facts
- RRT is a proprietary, brief approach that aims to resolve trauma’s effects quickly.
- It uses guided imagery, relaxation, and hypnosis-style techniques.
- Its independent research base is limited compared with first-line trauma therapies.
- For trauma, the most studied, guideline-recommended options are trauma-focused CBT and EMDR (NIMH, VA).
What it is
RRT describes itself as a way to clear the emotional charge left by painful experiences without requiring a person to repeatedly relive them in detail. Sessions often involve a relaxed, focused state and the use of imagery, metaphor, and suggestion intended to change how the mind holds a distressing memory.
Because RRT is a branded method taught and delivered by practitioners trained in it, the specifics can vary. Unlike well-established therapies, it has not been evaluated in the same volume of independent, controlled research — so claims about how quickly or completely it works should be viewed cautiously.
What it helps with
Practitioners describe using RRT for the effects of trauma, anxiety, and related distress. The most important context is comparative: for PTSD and trauma, the treatments with the strongest evidence are trauma-focused CBT and EMDR. If you are exploring RRT, it is reasonable to also consider these better-studied options. A qualified professional can advise whether any given approach is appropriate for you.
What to expect
- Sessions typically use a calm, focused state with guided imagery and suggestion.
- RRT is marketed as brief — sometimes a single session or a small number.
- Practitioners are trained and certified specifically in the RRT method.
- Because evidence is limited, ask the practitioner about their training, what to expect, and the research behind their claims.
Is it right for you
If you are drawn to a brief approach and want to explore RRT, the most balanced step is to discuss it with a qualified mental health professional — and to weigh it against trauma treatments that have stronger, independent evidence. Be cautious about promises of a fast, one-session “cure,” and prioritize practitioners who are transparent about the limits of the evidence. For many people with trauma, starting with a guideline-recommended therapy is the more reliable path.
From our clinical review. When something promises to fix deep pain in a single session, I understand the appeal — and I urge caution. My honest guidance is to lead with the treatments that have earned strong, independent evidence, and to ask any practitioner, gently but directly, what research stands behind their method. Good care welcomes that question.
If you want help sorting through trauma-treatment options, you can talk to someone about what fits. Start with Find Help by State for care near you, read about PTSD and trauma treatment, and compare the well-studied approaches in EMDR and CBT.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rapid Resolution Therapy?
Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) is a proprietary, brief therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Jon Connelly that aims to resolve the lingering effects of trauma, often in a small number of sessions. It draws on guided imagery, relaxation, and hypnosis-style techniques. It is a less established approach than therapies like CBT or EMDR, and independent research support is limited.
Is Rapid Resolution Therapy evidence-based?
RRT does not have the same body of independent, peer-reviewed research behind it as first-line trauma treatments such as trauma-focused CBT and EMDR. That does not mean no one is helped by it, but it does mean a cautious approach is wise. A qualified professional can help you weigh it against treatments with stronger evidence.
What are well-studied alternatives for trauma?
For PTSD and trauma, the most extensively researched and guideline-recommended treatments include trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR. If you are considering RRT for trauma, it is reasonable to also discuss these established options with a clinician.
Sources
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Treatment of PTSD — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD
- Psychotherapies — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Reviewed against the sources above. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
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