Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)
MRT is a cognitive-behavioral approach to better decisions, healthier choices and accountability. At Wings, it helps clients see how trauma and other struggles connect to the patterns that keep them stuck.
Moral, plus reconation
Moral
Moral reasoning: how we decide what is right, based on Kohlberg’s stages of moral development.
Reconation
From “conation”, the process of making conscious decisions. Reconation means rethinking how you decide.
Together: a structured way to rethink how you make decisions, so your choices match your values.
Four moves of MRT, practiced step by step
Step 1
Look at beliefs
Notice the beliefs and habits behind choices that keep causing harm.
Step 2
Take ownership
Accept responsibility for behavior, without shame taking over.
Step 3
Reconnect with values
Act from what you actually believe in, not from old patterns.
Step 4
Practice new choices
Decide differently in small, concrete steps, and review them.
MRT as one approach alongside EMDR, DBT and CBT
MRT sits alongside trauma therapies such as EMDR, and skills such as DBT and CBT. It is especially useful when trauma and substance use have shaped choices that keep causing harm.
Our clinical approach →Wings works with many PPO insurance plans
Admissions verifies your benefits before admission, free and confidential. For Medi-Cal or Medicare, admissions can point you to programs that accept them.
Questions about MRT
What it is, the name, the spelling, how Wings uses it and who it is for.
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Admissions answers calls 9 a.m.–5 p.m., seven days a week. Calls are confidential.
Call(760) 388-6369Visits, phones, what to bring and more in the admissions FAQ →All the ways to reach Wings →How is MRT used alongside other therapies at Wings?
As one approach among several, next to trauma therapies such as EMDR and skills such as DBT and CBT. Your therapist decides with you whether it fits your plan.
What does “reconation” mean?
It comes from “conation”, the psychological term for making conscious decisions. Reconation means re-examining how you make decisions.
Is it moral “recognition” therapy?
The correct name is Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT). “Moral recognition therapy” and “MTR therapy” are common misspellings.
How does Wings use MRT?
As one of several approaches, to help clients see how trauma, substance use and other struggles connect to the choices and beliefs that keep them stuck.
Is MRT only for people in the justice system?
It was first widely used in that setting, but it is now used in many treatment programs.