This 15 minute Podcast will provide background on RTM and why RTM should be the number one “Evidence Based” therapy for PTSD Flashbacks and Intrusive memories:
In the realm of mental health interventions, there exists a remarkable procedure that has consistently demonstrated its efficacy: the Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM). Originally known as “The Fast Phobia Cure” in the late 1970s, it has undergone various names over the years—such as “The NLP Trauma/Phobia Cure,” “The Rewind Procedure,” and “The Theater Procedure.” Regardless of nomenclature, its impact remains profound. It changed my life over 40 years ago:
https://clintmatheny.com/how-i-cured-my-ptsd/
A Cautionary Note
Before we delve deeper, a word of caution: do not use RTM for depression. However, when it comes to addressing traumatic flashbacks, simple phobias, and intrusive memories, RTM emerges as a potent solution.
Brian’s Story: A Ten-Year Follow-Up
This initial video interview is a ten-year follow-up with Bryan, an air traffic controller who exhibited all the symptoms of PTSD following a near collision between two jet airliners in 1989.
Back then I was a part-time psychotherapist and a full-time air traffic controller. Five years after this incident, I codeveloped the Federal Aviation Administration’s Critical Incident Stress Management Program for air traffic controllers.
Brian’s symptoms for 9 months were high blood pressure, visual flashbacks, feeling inadequate, and problems sleeping. After doing this 15 minute procedure, no follow up interventions were necessary. He passed his FAA physical with flying colors.
The RTM Procedure: A Guided Journey
Now, let’s explore the RTM procedure together. First read the “ Disclaimer” at the bottom of this post.
This procedure should first be used on a mildly unpleasant memory to test if the procedure works for you. I am going to guide you through the technique just as I did with Brian. Make sure you are in a safe place without distractions when listening to the audio. 
Be sure to listen to both audios and follow the instructions by first working on a mildly unpleasant emotional feeling to test its effectiveness!
This 5 minute audio is for the mildly unpleasant event:
This 4 minute audio is for the trauma or phobia event:
I have used this procedure with more than 300 clients since 1984 with PTSD symptoms and with clients with a simple phobia.
My youngest client was 5 years old with a phobia response to thunderstorms and my oldest client was 93 years old. He couldn’t drink water; however, he could drink other liquids. He had a drowning experience in a river at age 6.
The procedure is effective when conducted over the phone, in person, or virtually with clients who have endured deeply traumatic experiences. Unlike EMDR or Prolonged Exposure Therapy, this approach does not require them to verbalize or relive their trauma firsthand.
Veterans and PTSD: A Sobering Reality
“An annual report from VA also offers information about PTSD in Veterans using VA care. Of the 6 million Veterans served in fiscal year 2021, about 10 out of every 100 men (or 10%) and 19 out of every 100 women (or 19%) were diagnosed with PTSD.”
Approximately 20% of U.S. veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have been diagnosed with PTSD, and the rates are even higher among Vietnam veterans, with about 30% experiencing PTSD during their lifetime.
Over 1.7 million veterans receive disability compensation for PTSD from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Ratings for PTSD range from 0% to 100%, depending on the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, with compensation adjusted accordingly .
This procedure has had many studies over the past 40+ years. It works! In the past I had wondered why the Veterans Administration had not used this modality with any of the over 1.7 million military veterans receiving a PTSD disability rating. I have concluded that the “RTM” procedure might be too effective in curing PTSD!
Here is a 3 minute video of a veteran in 2023, getting help, but notice that after 40 years the VA needs still more time to study the efficacy of the procedure:
This 5 minute video with five veterans giving positive feedback ten years ago on the RTM Procedure from the site below: Note: the therapists were not affiliated with the VA.
https://cwb811.wixsite.com/theroadbackptsd-new/the-road-back
Disclaimer
Before participating in any of the blog’s recommendations, I recommend that you consult with a physician or other Medical and Mental Health Provider.
If you choose to ignore the above advice and decide to use this material for your own or another’s recovery from prior trauma – for instance you are a trained facilitator or therapist – you are accepting full responsibility for your own actions and through this you absolve the author of any liability for any repercussions from your actions.
Below are the links to numerous studies:
https://clintmatheny.cdn-pi.com/opinion-the-best-ptsd-treatment-youve-never-heard-of/
https://thertmprotocol.com/about/research
https://www.academia.edu/31128656/Reconsolidation_of_Traumatic_Memories_RTM_for_PTSD_a_case_series
https://utppublishing.com/doi/10.3138/jmvfh.2996
clint77090(at)gmail.com