Rehabs that Offer Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) – An In-depth Guide

Content Reviewed By:

Andrew McKenna - JD

SUD treatment executive, national news contributor & keynote speaker.

Navigation:

• Overview
• What Conditions is MRT Used to Treat?
• How Does Moral Reconation Therapy Work?
• Does MRT Work?
• Where Can I Find A Treatment Center That Provides MRT?

Overview

Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) is a decades-old system of behavior modification developed based on Kohlberg’s levels of cognitive reasoning. It relies on the principles of fixed and absolute rules, judging actions according to individual needs, conforming and being “nice”, respecting authority, and considering individual rights. The word “reconation” is derived from combining 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 is supposed to lead to enhanced moral reasoning, better decision making, and more appropriate behavior. It was first developed in the 1980s as a means to provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for incarcerated populations. Since its inception, it’s gained increased popularity and has been applied to other communities within and outside of the prison system. 

What Conditions is MRT Used to Treat?

MRT practitioners work within a wide array of clinical paradigms, including but not limited to: 

• Substance Abuse Treatment 
• Trauma Therapy 
• Codependency Treatment 
• Anger Management 

The system also claims to have specific tracks for parents, juveniles, perpetrators of domestic violence, veterans, criminal offenders, and others with unique and specific mental health needs. It also provides a specific track for relapse prevention, life skills, personal development, and smoking cessation. 

How Does Moral Reconation Therapy Work?

MRT is a structured, multi-stage program similar to 12-Step programs. The 16 steps in moral reconation therapy include: 

• Honesty: Examining patterns of dishonesty and accepting responsibility
• Trust: Rebuilding trust with oneself and others through consistent, responsible actions
• Acceptance: Accepting reality and taking responsibility for past behaviors
• Awareness: Recognizing thinking errors, triggers, and unhealthy behavioral patterns
• Healing Damaged Relationships: Assessing damaged relationships and taking action to fix them
• Helping Others: Shifting focus outward to foster empathy and prosocial behavior
• Long-Term Goals and Identity: Defining a positive future identity and setting achievable goals
• Short-Term Goals and Consistency: Creating habits that build consistency
• Commitment to Change: Committing to new behaviors and moral reasoning
• Maintain Positive Change: Focusing on relapse prevention
• Keeping Moral Commitments: Ensuring actions align with new values
• Choosing Moral Goals: Pursuing prosocial, positive goals
• Evaluating Inner Self: Assessing personal growth (Step 13-16)
• Higher Levels of Moral Reasoning: Developing advanced moral reasoning skills
• Integration of Social Behaviors: Applying positive social skills
• Achieving Personal Growth: Reaching a stable, positive identity

MRT engagement consists of a combination of group sessions, workbook-based study, and self-paced principle recitation, depending upon each participants’ journey. 

• Structured Workbook Approach: Participants complete homework assignments and exercises from a workbook and present their work to the group. 
• 12-16 Steps: The program is divided into steps that address seven key areas, which include: confronting negative beliefs, evaluating relationships, strengthening ego, improving moral reasoning, refining and bolstering self-concept, cultivating positive habits, and setting long-term goals.
• Moral Reasoning Development: MRT is based on Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, which motivates people to move from a selfish, impulsive mindset to one based on higher moral reasoning, accountability, and ethical behavior. 
• Group Setting: Sessions are generally held weekly or twice weekly in open groups, allowing new members to join at any time. The group setting helps build trust and provides feedback on behavior. 

Materials are distributed by a one specific book publisher and include a library of specific resources, depending upon which areas of life participants are trying to address. For example, the MRT offers specific workbooks on substance abuse, relapse prevention, anger management, codependency and all other topics for which counseling is offered. 

Does MRT Work?

Proponents and practitioners of MRT claim it leads to increased participation and completion rates, decreased disciplinary infractions, beneficial changes in personality characteristics, and significantly lower recidivism rates among the prison population. A body of research housed on the provider’s main site points to effectiveness among multiple cohorts. The reality is, however, that this therapy may not be for everyone. If you or your loved one are considering moral reconation therapy for alcohol or drug addiction, be sure to research the model thoroughly. Remember that MRT started primarily as a means of engaging incarcerated individuals whose life journeys may be different from your own. 

Where Can I Find A Treatment Center That Provides MRT?

It may be tricky to find a treatment center that specifically offers MRT as a program model, but patients can embrace and practice it alongside a comprehensive behavioral rehab program. While certain treatment centers are more likely to offer 12-Step or SMART Recovery-based treatment models, the reality is that the principles of MRT and these two programs often overlap. The best way to find out the extent to which the program you’re considering can accommodate MRT is to use our directory or talk to admissions representatives. They will be able to offer a full explanation of therapeutic programming and help you decide if their facility is right for you or your loved one.