What is Moral Reconation Therapy?
Table of Contents
- What is Moral Reconation Therapy?
- Understanding the Steps of Moral Reconation Therapy
- The Benefits of Moral Reconation Therapy
- What Are Moral Reconation Therapy Programs Used to Treat?
- How Long is the Moral Reconation Therapy Process?
- How Can Moral Reconation Help in Substance Abuse Treatment?
- Finding Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Services Near Me
- Medically Reviewed By
Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) is an effective form of behavioral therapy that follows a cognitive-behavioral approach to overcoming self-limiting thoughts and belief systems.
This systematic treatment strategy has been used to address a wide range of issues in order to enact positive behavioral growth in participating individuals. A change that is achieved through increasing a person’s moral reasoning skills.
Moral reasoning refers to the ability to decide what the correct response, choice, or action will be in a given situation. This is a critical aspect of MRT, as a person’s morals are often what dictates their behaviors.
Because of this therapeutic approach, MRT has been used to effectively deter addicted individuals from returning to their habits of substance use, as well as prevent those leaving the criminal justice system from re-offending.
This form of therapy can also be an effective resource for several other basic treatment issues, as well. MRT maintains an evidence-based practice status, meaning it is a treatment program backed by clinical and behavioral studies and research.
A Brief History of Moral Reconation Therapy
Moral Reconation Therapy was first developed by Drs. Greg Little and Ken Robinson in the late 1980s, and was one of the first psychological practices used to provide treatment for criminal behavior.
Because this method saw significant success in its ability to promote positive identity formation amongst adult criminal offenders, this cognitive-behavioral approach is now used in various health and human services across the country.
Today, MRT is used to encourage positive behavior in offender populations, including young adults who end up in juvenile drug courts, as well as for those outside the legal system entirely.
Understanding the Steps of Moral Reconation Therapy
Moral Reconation Therapy can be carried out in both individual and group counseling sessions. These will usually be structured similarly to a classroom environment, where participants will work either by themselves or with trained professionals on prescribed homework assignments.
These are acquired from an MRT workbook, which will include structured group exercises, as well as independent worksheets. This workbook is split into multiple sections which cover seven basic treatment issues, including:
- Forming a Positive Identity
- Confronting Negative Behaviors, Attitudes, and Beliefs
- Assessing Current Relationships
- Reducing Self-Indulgence and Improving Frustration Tolerance
- Developing Improved Moral Reasoning Skills
- Reinforcing Positive Habits/Behaviors
- Improving a Healthy Concept of Self
The Benefits of Moral Reconation Therapy
MRT can be significantly beneficial for a treatment-resistant person morally, as it pushes them to seriously reflect upon and consider their own actions. When applied in group settings, this aspect of MRT can help individuals learn and grow through the actions of others, as well.
As discussed, this practice has been found to be highly effective in reforming the behaviors and thought patterns of adult criminal offenders and increasing their ability to engage in moral reasoning.
MRT has also been found to have significant positive results with treatment-resistant clients, or individuals who have been unsuccessful with their attempts to participate in other behavioral health services.
Furthermore, several studies suggest that MRT has also been effective in producing positive change in several other areas, including:
- Efforts to Decrease Recidivism
- Reducing Juvenile Justice System Cases
- Reducing Substance Use Rates
- Increasing Housing Stability and Job Retention
- Increasing Acceptance of Medication-Based Treatment
- Increasing Treatment Follow-Through
- Improving Psychiatric Well-Being and Functionality
- Decreasing Hospitalization Rates
- Enhancing Life Purpose
- Raising Motivation Levels
What Are Moral Reconation Therapy Programs Used to Treat?
Moral Reconation Therapy’s ability to improve frustration tolerance and moral reasoning makes this practice applicable to several areas. There are a few main MRT groups that are currently prioritized by this therapeutic model, which are:
- Addiction/Substance Abuse
- Anger Management
- Codependency
- Criminal Justice
- Domestic Violence
- Employment
- Mental Health
- Parenting
- Relapse Prevention
- Smoking Cessation
- Trauma
- Veteran Populations
How Long is the Moral Reconation Therapy Process?
An MRT session will usually take place one to two times weekly, and may persist over the span of anywhere from three to six months. During these sessions, a Moral Reconation therapist will work with their client in progressing through each step in the MRT workbook.
This process may last over an average of 24-36 sessions. The amount of treatment sessions a person may need will vary based on the specific issue they are struggling with, as well as their ability to retain the covered materials.
How Can Moral Reconation Help in Substance Abuse Treatment?
Just as MRT can help decrease recidivism, this systematic treatment strategy can also help individuals who are struggling with addiction analyze their current relationships with themselves and their habits of substance use.
This is done by helping individuals progressively address ego limitations, as well as improving a person’s moral aspects and belief systems, increasing their moral reasoning and encouraging personal growth.
As such, the psychological traditions of MRT can be particularly helpful for individuals who are struggling with mental health issues in addition to their substance use disorders.
Finding Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Services Near Me
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, finding professional behavioral treatment options that can provide all of your care needs can be difficult; but that’s why we are here.
At Find Addiction Rehabs, we are dedicated to finding people like you the help they need to recover from their habits of substance abuse, while actively addressing the underlying thoughts and beliefs that instigate these actions.
So don’t wait; call our 24/7 hotline, and let us help you take the first step on your path to overcoming your moral limitations, where you can achieve long-term sobriety and self-empowerment, today!
Brandon is a highly skilled content writer and behavioral health marketer with over a decade of experience. In his own words: in my work with Find Addiction Rehabs, I have dedicated my expertise to a cause close to my heart – substance abuse recovery. Through my passion for the field, I’ve successfully compiled a track record of crafting compelling content that educates, inspires, and supports those on their recovery journeys.
Medically Reviewed By
As a registered nurse for over 15 years, my devotion to patient well-being extends beyond medical practice. I am a passionate advocate in the behavioral healthcare space, placing a strong emphasis on de-stigmatizing substance use and mental health disorders. I firmly believe that reliable, accurate resources are crucial, and I consistently strive to offer understanding and compassion for those seeking help and their loved ones.
My dedication to continuous learning and a spirit of collaboration have been instrumental in my professional journey. I am committed to staying current with the latest advancements in medical science and am always eager to work alongside fellow behavioral healthcare professionals at Find Addiction Rehabs.
