moral reconation therapy
What is MRT?
Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), an NREPP program, is a cognitive-behavioral treatment program for substance abuse and offender populations. Developed in 1985 by Dr. Gregory Little and Dr. Kenneth Robinson, over 200 published outcome studies have documented that MRT-treated offenders show significantly lower recidivism, for periods as long as 20 years after treatment. MRT-based work is suitable for a vast range of different people with different treatment needs, from DUI and other criminal offenders, to substance users, Veterans, trauma survivors, and more. MRT helps people learn to take personal accountability in their lives, heal damaged relationships, forgive others and the self, and find their own personal freedom from the self-limiting beliefs, thoughts and behaviors that have held them back in the past.
“I never realized how much I used to self-sabotage and then blame the things that were wrong in my life on other people. I know I’m a better role model for my son now. I’m proud to be me today, in all aspects of my life.”
The term "moral" refers to moral reasoning, based on Kohlberg's levels of cognitive reasoning. The word "reconation" comes from the psychological terms "conative" and "conation," both of which refer to the process of making conscious decisions. MRT is a cognitive-behavioral treatment system that leads to enhanced moral reasoning, better decision making, and more appropriate behavior.
MRT was initially developed as the cognitive-behavioral component in a prison-based therapeutic community. Because of its remarkable success (notably with minority participants), the program was then tested and widely implemented in general inmate populations, with juvenile offenders, in parole and probation settings, community corrections, hospital and outpatient programs, educational settings, and in drug courts. Measured objective outcomes were consistent in all settings. The program leads to increased participation and completion rates, decreased disciplinary infractions, beneficial changes in personality characteristics, and significantly lower recidivism rates. Unlike other program outcomes, MRT research shows that participation and program completion by minority groups can significantly lower long-term recidivism rates—for more than 20 years after treatment. No other cognitive-behavioral treatment for offenders or substance abuse has shown such results.
MRT is typically conducted in weekly groups, where clients present exercises from one of the workbooks that have been completed as homework. Group facilitators and peers use objective criteria to evaluate the participant's successful completion of each of the programs' steps.
All MRT groups must be operated by MRT-Certified facilitators, professional staff who have completed the 32-hour training program. MRT—Moral Reconation Therapy® is a Federally-registered trademark and state Servicemark of Eagle Wing Books, Inc. (Memphis, Tennessee). Eagle Wing Books, Inc. publishes all MRT materials.
“I faked my way through treatment before, but that was not possible in this group…my counselor and peers held me accountable at every step- they never judged me but at the same time cared enough to be honest and give me the feedback I knew in my heart I needed. It changed the way I think about everything…not just about drugs and alcohol.”
MRT and the Wisdom Way
Wisdom Traditions Recovery Program offers a trauma-informed MRT approach as one of our intensive outpatient group scheduling options. It can also help treat any lingering cross addictive patterns related to love, codependency, work, internet, sex, gambling and other addictions as a continuing care option.
The group is typically completed within a 16-20 week period, with a focus on accountability, following through with goals, developing empathy for others, and healing damaged relationships. Our MRT groups are fully integrated, compassionate and peer supported.
This group is a safe place to be vulnerable, grow and get to know yourself on a new level. We get to share our dreams, our fears, and our hopes with one another, to learn and practice being trustworthy and honest with ourselves and others, to give and receive acceptance and to make some really great friends in the meantime.