Drugs and alcohol affect the frontal lobe, or reasoning center of your brain, and can cause most people to participate in risky behavior. This can include unprotected sex, sharing needles, stealing from friends and family, and criminal activity. What is moral reconation therapy? It is a form of behavioral therapy that focuses on addressing these risky behaviors and helping individuals develop moral reasoning skills.
At Harmony Hills, we provide moral reconation therapy (MRT) for our clients who have repeatedly relapsed after court-appointed or voluntary addiction treatment. MRT works on changing their moral reasoning and helping them see how their behavior is harming themselves and others. This is very beneficial for clients who lack a reason to quit, typically due to an underlying mental health condition like depression or PTSD. Call 855.494.0357 today to learn about our mental health therapy programs.
What Is Moral Reconation Therapy?
What is MRT? Moral reconation therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that promotes moral reasoning, better decision-making, and more appropriate behavior. It is based on the idea that risky and criminal behavior stems from faulty thinking patterns, such as a lack of empathy, distorted perceptions of right and wrong, and impulsivity. MRT aims to address these underlying issues through a structured program that includes group sessions, individual counseling, and homework assignments.
MRT was developed by Dr. Gregory Little in the 1980s as a way to treat substance abuse and criminal behavior. It has since been expanded to address a variety of issues, including anger management, domestic violence, and even parenting skills.
What Is Involved in MRT Treatment?
Moral reconation therapy typically involves 12-16 weeks of group sessions focusing on different aspects of moral reasoning. These sessions are facilitated by trained therapists who guide participants through a series of exercises, discussions, and role-playing activities. Participants are also given homework assignments to practice new skills outside the group setting.
The program begins with an assessment phase in which participants are evaluated on their moral reasoning skills and risk factors for criminal behavior. This assessment helps therapists tailor the treatment to each individual’s needs.
As the program progresses, participants work on developing skills such as empathy, problem-solving, and impulse control. They also learn how to take responsibility for their actions and make amends for harm done to others.
Moral Reconation Therapy Steps
MRT follows a specific set of steps to help individuals develop better moral reasoning skills. These include:
- Confronting beliefs and attitudes – Participants are encouraged to examine their thoughts and beliefs about themselves, others, and the world.
- Assessing current relationships – Clients learn how their relationships may be affected by their behavior and how they can work on improving them.
- Understanding the consequences of behavior – Individuals identify the negative consequences of their past behavior and learn how to make better decisions in the future.
- Developing positive identity – Participants build a sense of self-worth and focus on developing healthy behaviors.
- Enhancing self-concept – Clients work on improving their self-image and recognizing their own strengths and limitations.
- Developing new behaviors – Individuals learn how to modify their behavior, make amends for past wrongdoings, and practice healthy coping mechanisms.
- Confronting others – Participants address any negative relationships and work on repairing them through communication and forgiveness.
- Creating a positive support system – Clients identify positive influences in their lives and build a network of support for ongoing recovery.
MRT is a valuable tool for individuals struggling with substance abuse, criminal behavior, and other issues. By addressing faulty thinking patterns and promoting better decision-making skills, it can help individuals make positive changes in their lives.
Who Benefits from MRT Treatment?
Moral reconation therapy is particularly effective for a diverse range of individuals seeking positive change in their behaviors.
- Individuals with substance abuse disorders seeking long-term recovery
- People involved in the criminal justice system who are looking to reduce recidivism
- Those struggling with behavioral issues such as anger management or domestic violence
- Anyone seeking to enhance their interpersonal skills and moral decision-making
By participating in MRT, clients can build a solid foundation for a more responsible and socially constructive life.
The Benefits of Moral Reconation Therapy for Mental Health
Moral reconation therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing criminal behavior and substance abuse, as well as improving overall mental health. By addressing faulty thinking patterns and promoting moral reasoning, individuals are better equipped to make positive changes in their lives.
For those struggling with addiction, MRT can help them develop the skills needed to resist triggers and maintain recovery. It can also:
- Decrease self-destructive behaviors by showing clients how their actions are harming themselves and others
- Increase moral reasoning and decision-making
- Give clients a healthier self-image and increase their motivation to stay healthy.
- Clients get a safe and judgment-free space to confront their negative behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes and work to understand why they are harmful to themselves and others
- Give clients healthy habits to focus on and build new interests and hobbies
- Reinforce positive behaviors
- Assess current relationships and work to rebuild them by improving their communication skills
At Harmony Hills, we believe in addressing the root causes of addiction and criminal behavior. That’s why we offer MRT as part of our comprehensive mental health therapy programs.
Join Harmony Hills for Our Moral Reconation Therapy Program
At Harmony Hills, we give individuals help with relapse prevention and mental health concerns through moral reconation therapy.
If you are interested in learning how moral reconation therapy can benefit your recovery, call 855.494.0357 to speak with our knowledgeable staff.
