- Richard Gray is Research Director for the NLP Research and Recognition Project. He serves as Principle Investigator f... moreRichard Gray is Research Director for the NLP Research and Recognition Project. He serves as Principle Investigator for pilot studies of the RTM protocol for the Project. In July 2013, he retired after serving nine years as Assistant Professor in the School of Criminal Justice, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ. Prior to his appointment at FDU, Dr. Gray served for more than 20 years in the US Probation Department, Brooklyn, NY. While working in Brooklyn he received the North East Regional Line Officer of the Year Award for 1999. Gray was the recipient of the 2004 Neuro-Linguistic Programming World Community Award in Education for his work with federal offenders with substance use disorders. The award was presented at the CANLP Annual Conference in Montreal, Canada. He is the author of Archetypal Explorations (Routledge, 1996)edit
Research Interests:
Objective: PTSD in female veterans and service members (SM)s is understudied, and new, effective treatments for PTSD are needed. Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) is a brief, manualized treatment for PTSD previously piloted in... more
Objective: PTSD in female veterans and service members (SM)s is understudied, and new, effective treatments for PTSD are needed. Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) is a brief, manualized treatment for PTSD previously piloted in RCTs of male veterans and SMs. Here we examine RTM's effect on military women with PTSD. Methods: We report a waitlist RCT using 30 military-connected females with DSM IV-TR PTSD diagnoses, including current-month nightmares or flashbacks. Trauma types include Military Sexual Trauma (MST), other sexual traumas, combat, and other trauma types. Participants were randomized to treatment or waitlist. Of those enrolled, 97% completed treatment. Independent psychometricians, blinded to treatment condition, evaluated participants at intake, post-wait, and two weeks post. The clinician took follow-up measures at six months and one year. The primary measure was the PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview (PSS-I). The secondary measure was the PTSD Checklist (PCL). Participants received up to three 120-minute sessions of RTM. Results: RTM eliminated intrusive symptoms and significantly decreased symptom scale ratings in 90% (n = 27) of participants, versus 0% of controls (p < 0.001). Two-week treatment group PSS-I scores dropped 33.9 points versus 3.9 points for post-wait controls (g = 3.7; 95% CI [2.5, 4.8]; p < 0.001). Treatment results were stable to 1 year. Conclusions: RTM effectively treated PTSD, independent of trauma source in female SMs and veterans effectively replicating previous results in male populations. Further research is recommended. Clinical Impact Statement. This study presents The Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories Protocol (RTM for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and tests its effectiveness for female veterans and active duty service members. The treatment is brief, non-traumatizing, and its high rates of PTSD remission are maintained for at least one year. The PTSD-diagnosed participants included many with military sexual traumas. The results for all participants were comparable to male veterans and service members in two other trials. |
Research Interests:
Objective: PTSD in female veterans and service members (SM)s is understudied, and new, effective treatments for PTSD are needed. Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) is a brief, manualized treatment for PTSD previously piloted in... more
Objective: PTSD in female veterans and service members (SM)s is understudied, and new, effective treatments for PTSD are needed. Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) is a brief, manualized treatment for PTSD previously piloted in RCTs of male veterans and SMs. Here we examine RTM's effect on military women with PTSD. Methods: We report a waitlist RCT using 30 military-connected females with DSM IV-TR PTSD diagnoses, including current-month nightmares or flashbacks. Trauma types include Military Sexual Trauma (MST), other sexual traumas, combat, and other trauma types. Participants were randomized to treatment or waitlist. Of those enrolled, 97% completed treatment. Independent psychometricians, blinded to treatment condition, evaluated participants at intake, post-wait, and two weeks post. The clinician took follow-up measures at six months and one year. The primary measure was the PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview (PSS-I). The secondary measure was the PTSD Checklist (PCL). Participants received up to three 120-minute sessions of RTM. Results: RTM eliminated intrusive symptoms and significantly decreased symptom scale ratings in 90% (n = 27) of participants, versus 0% of controls (p < 0.001). Two-week treatment group PSS-I scores dropped 33.9 points versus 3.9 points for post-wait controls (g = 3.7; 95% CI [2.5, 4.8]; p < 0.001). Treatment results were stable to 1 year. Conclusions: RTM effectively treated PTSD, independent of trauma source in female SMs and veterans effectively replicating previous results in male populations. Further research is recommended. Clinical Impact Statement. This study presents The Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories Protocol (RTM for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and tests its effectiveness for female veterans and active duty service members. The treatment is brief, non-traumatizing, and its high rates of PTSD remission are maintained for at least one year. The PTSD-diagnosed participants included many with military sexual traumas. The results for all participants were comparable to male veterans and service members in two other trials. |
Research Interests:
Article in press please cite as: Tylee, D., Gray, R., Glatt, S, & Bourke, F. (2017). Evaluation of the reconsolidation of traumatic memories protocol for the treatment of PTSD: A randomized, wait list controlled trial. The Journal of... more
Article in press please cite as: Tylee, D., Gray, R., Glatt, S, & Bourke, F. (2017). Evaluation of the reconsolidation of traumatic memories protocol for the treatment of PTSD: A randomized, wait list controlled trial. The Journal of Military, Veteran, and Family Health. X(X), XX-XX.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) is a cognitive intervention for PTSD believed to employ reconsolidation blockade with significant potential as a cost effective and empirically supported treatment. This is the second empirical evaluation of the intervention. Methods: This study used a randomized waitlist controlled design (n = 30) to examine the efficacy of three-sessions of RTM among male veterans having high symptom scores on the PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview (PSS-I), and the PTSD Checklist-Military version (PCL-M) with current-month flashbacks and nightmares. Of 55 volunteers, 30 met inclusion criteria and participated in the study, 15 each were randomly assigned to treatment and control conditions. After completing a six-week wait-period, control subjects also received the intervention. Results: Data analyses suggest that RTM was superior to control. There were significant pre-post treatment improvements across measures of PTSD. Gains were largely maintained at 6-month follow-up. Within group RTM effect sizes (Hedges’ g) ranged from 2.79 to 5.33. Further, 88 % of those treated lost DSM diagnosis for PTSD: 15 % lost DSM diagnosis (CPL-M < 50 and DSM criteria not met) and 73 % were in complete remission from all symptoms (PCL-M <30). Therapist competence and adherence to treatment protocols were both strong. Patient satisfaction with the intervention was high. Study limitations and implications for the assessment and treatment of Veterans with PTSD are discussed.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) is a cognitive intervention for PTSD believed to employ reconsolidation blockade with significant potential as a cost effective and empirically supported treatment. This is the second empirical evaluation of the intervention. Methods: This study used a randomized waitlist controlled design (n = 30) to examine the efficacy of three-sessions of RTM among male veterans having high symptom scores on the PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview (PSS-I), and the PTSD Checklist-Military version (PCL-M) with current-month flashbacks and nightmares. Of 55 volunteers, 30 met inclusion criteria and participated in the study, 15 each were randomly assigned to treatment and control conditions. After completing a six-week wait-period, control subjects also received the intervention. Results: Data analyses suggest that RTM was superior to control. There were significant pre-post treatment improvements across measures of PTSD. Gains were largely maintained at 6-month follow-up. Within group RTM effect sizes (Hedges’ g) ranged from 2.79 to 5.33. Further, 88 % of those treated lost DSM diagnosis for PTSD: 15 % lost DSM diagnosis (CPL-M < 50 and DSM criteria not met) and 73 % were in complete remission from all symptoms (PCL-M <30). Therapist competence and adherence to treatment protocols were both strong. Patient satisfaction with the intervention was high. Study limitations and implications for the assessment and treatment of Veterans with PTSD are discussed.
Research Interests:
Clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) represent a significant problem to the US Military and Veterans Administration. Upwards of 30 percent go on to lifelong chronicity with or without treatment (Kessler, Sonnega, Bromet,... more
Clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) represent a significant problem to the US Military and Veterans Administration. Upwards of 30 percent go on to lifelong chronicity with or without treatment (Kessler, Sonnega, Bromet, Hughes, & Nelson, 1995). Most mainline treatments are not meeting the needs of our veterans and active duty warriors. The current case study describes four individuals previously diagnosed with PTSD who volunteered for treatment in a waitlist RCT of a brief, non-traumatizing intervention, Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM). These individuals completed five 90-min sessions of RTM. In the larger study 96% (25/26) of treated clients no longer met diagnostic criteria for PTSD at the end of treatment, with these gains maintained at 6-and 26-week posttreatment. Implications for delivery of RTM and its further investigation are discussed.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
From 1997 to 2004 the US Probation Department, Eastern District of New York, operated a 16 week program based on neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) for offenders with various levels of substance use disorders (Gray 2001, 2002). The... more
From 1997 to 2004 the US Probation Department, Eastern District of New York, operated a 16 week program based on neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) for offenders with various levels of substance use disorders (Gray 2001, 2002). The program was based upon Jungian and Maslowian concepts of personal growth and development (Gray 1996; Maslow 1970; Progoff 1959; Zoja 1990) and was closely tied to the stages of change model and the work of James Prochaska (Prochaska et al. 1994). It made use of standard NLP tools for the creation of: peak experiences - using submodality analysis, accessible resource states - using anchoring understood as a classical conditioning paradigm, and the well-formed outcome frame to instantiate Prochaska’s preferred future. All changes worked to move the participant towards identifying and realizing an individualizing/self actualizing future. Later, the program was informed by research into the mechanisms of incentive salience in the midbrain dopamine system (Robinson and Berridge 2001; Robinson 2004). Through 2004, the program graduated more than 300 participants. Thirty percent (29.6 percent) of participants who had previously tested positive for abused substances remained abstinent for one year following treatment. Statistical analyses showed that the NLP treatment obtained results that were equivalent to results obtained by participants in intensive outpatient treatment despite being much less expensive and much less time intensive – the program required two hours per week and periodic individual sessions. Positive affect, increased self efficacy and general participant satisfaction were hallmarks of the program completers (Gray 2002).
Research Interests:
This paper describes an experimental, strengths-based program for the treatment of substance abusing offenders under criminal justice supervision in the United States Probation Department. The program is based upon new physiological... more
This paper describes an experimental, strengths-based program for the treatment of substance abusing offenders under criminal justice supervision in the United States Probation Department. The program is based upon new physiological evidence that links addictions to the experience of hope, and consistent research that identifies self-efficacy, futurity and self-esteem as crucial elements in recovery. Rooted in concepts taken from Jungian and Maslowian ideas of the Self, the program uses techniques gleaned from Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) and Ericksonian hypnosis to provide a continuing sense of Self and the possibility of positive, self-actualizing futures. This article explores the theoretical background of the program, specific tools employed, program results and suggestions for further research.
Research Interests:
The United States Probation Department for the Eastern District of New York has instituted an innovative and cost-effective substance abuse program, rooted in Jungian theory and depending upon tools gleaned from classical conditioning and... more
The United States Probation Department for the Eastern District of New York has instituted an innovative and cost-effective substance
abuse program, rooted in Jungian theory and depending upon tools gleaned from classical conditioning and Neuro-Linguistic
Programming (NLP). The program helps create positive futures for federal offenders with substance-related treatment conditions.
abuse program, rooted in Jungian theory and depending upon tools gleaned from classical conditioning and Neuro-Linguistic
Programming (NLP). The program helps create positive futures for federal offenders with substance-related treatment conditions.
Research Interests:
Every year thousands of returning military, state, and local police officers and civilians of every description suffer from the intrusive symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Current treatments rooted largely in extinction... more
Every year thousands of returning military, state, and local police officers and civilians of every description suffer from the
intrusive symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Current treatments rooted largely in extinction protocols
require extensive commitments of time and money and are often ineffective. This study reviews several theories of PTSD
and two important mechanisms that explain when treatment does and doesn’t work: extinction and reconsolidation. It
then reviews the research about and suggests an explanatory mechanism for the visual-kinesthetic dissociation protocol (V/
KD), also known as the rewind technique. The technique is notable for its lack of discomfort to the client, the possibility of
being executed as a content-free intervention, its speed of operation, and its long-term, if largely anecdotal, efficacy. A case
study, specific diagnostics for extinction, and reconsolidative mechanisms and suggestions for future research are provided.
intrusive symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Current treatments rooted largely in extinction protocols
require extensive commitments of time and money and are often ineffective. This study reviews several theories of PTSD
and two important mechanisms that explain when treatment does and doesn’t work: extinction and reconsolidation. It
then reviews the research about and suggests an explanatory mechanism for the visual-kinesthetic dissociation protocol (V/
KD), also known as the rewind technique. The technique is notable for its lack of discomfort to the client, the possibility of
being executed as a content-free intervention, its speed of operation, and its long-term, if largely anecdotal, efficacy. A case
study, specific diagnostics for extinction, and reconsolidative mechanisms and suggestions for future research are provided.
Research Interests:
Introduction: The Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) Protocol is a brief non-traumatizing intervention for the intrusive symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is supported by nearly 25 years of anecdotal and... more
Introduction: The Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) Protocol is a brief non-traumatizing intervention for the intrusive symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is supported by nearly 25 years of anecdotal and clinical reports. This study reports the first scientific evaluation of the protocol. Methods: A 30-person pilot study using male Veterans with a pre-existing diagnosis of PTSD. Intake criteria included interviews and confirmatory re-diagnosis using the PTSD Checklist–Military version (PCL-M). Of 33 people who met the inclusion criteria, 26 completed treatment using the RTM protocol. A small (n = 5) wait-list control group was included. All participants were reassessed following treatment using the PCL-M. Results: Of 26 program completers, 25 (96%) were symptom free at 6-week follow-up. Mean PCL-M score at intake was 61 points. At the 6-week follow-up, the mean PCL-M score was 28.8, with a mean reduction in scores of 33 points. Hedges’ g was computed for 6-week follow-up and showed a 2.9 SD difference from intake to follow-up. A wait-list control analysis indicated non-significant symptom changes during the 2-week wait period. Discussion: Results suggest that RTM is a promising intervention worthy of further investigation.