TRTP — The Richards Trauma Process
TRTP
The Richards Trauma Process (TRTP) is a short-term, structured trauma therapy is designed to address the impact of distressing or traumatic experiences that can underly anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, fears, and phobias. Catherine Condon is a certified TRTP practitioner offering The Richards Trauma Process in Melbourne — with in-person sessions in Hampton, and Murrumbeena, and telehealth available across Australia.
What is TRTP?
Developed by Australian psychotherapist Judith Richards, TRTP works by guiding you to connect with your innate internal strength and empowering you to update the way your brain and body hold distressing memories so that the memories themselves remain with less emotional distress. Many people report increased confidence, calm and clarity following TRTP.
This is not traditional talking therapy. You do not need to recount or relive the specific details of past events. Change can occur without unpacking or re-experiencing the distressing specifics of what happened.
What can TRTP help with?
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Depression
- Fears and phobias
How Does TRTP Work?
TRTP is delivered across three phases spanning three consecutive weeks. Within those three weeks, you will meet with Catherine on two consecutive days during the therapy intensive phase. Sessions vary in length between 60, 90, and 120 minutes — altogether the therapy takes approximately 8–9 hours.
Following the three-week therapy, you will attend two follow-up review sessions:
· One month after completing TRTP
· Three months after completing TRTP
These reviews track your ongoing progress and ensure you are continuing to thrive.
What to Expect After TRTP
Many people who complete TRTP feel ready to step into life with a new sense of positivity, possibility, and emotional flexibility — and choose to cease therapy after their review sessions. Others choose to continue with longer-term counselling to build on the gains from TRTP, develop life skills, and work through ongoing challenges. Either path is valid.
Important: Commitment to TRTP
TRTP requires a strong commitment to the three consecutive weeks of therapy. Cancellations during the therapy are not advised, as they disrupt the therapeutic process. Please ensure you are able to fully commit to the scheduled dates before confirming.
Frequently Asked Questions — TRTP
Q: What is TRTP therapy?
A: TRTP (The Richards Trauma Process) is a structured, brief trauma-focused therapeutic approach developed by Judith Richards. It is designed to arrest the ongoing impact of distressing experiences using a structured series of guided exercises. Unlike many traditional talking therapies, it does not require detailed discussion of traumatic events.
Q: How many sessions does TRTP take?
A: TRTP is delivered across three phases spanning three consecutive weeks. You will need to set aside up to 2-hours on two consecutive days across the three weeks of therapy. Total therapy time is approximately 8–9 hours, followed by review sessions at one month and three months post-therapy.
Q: Is TRTP evidence-based?
A: Research into TRTP is currently emerging. In 2026, a feasibility study conducted in collaboration with the University of Melbourne concluded that a larger controlled trial was feasible and warranted.
Q: What conditions does TRTP treat?
A: TRTP is used by some clinicians to work with people experiencing trauma-related difficulties, anxiety, fears and phobias. Whether it is an appropriate approach depends on your individual circumstances, and Catherine will discuss this with you during an initial consultation.
Q: Is TRTP the same as EMDR?
A: No. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements) within a structured treatment protocol. TRTP uses a different therapeutic approach and does not involve bilateral stimulation. Although both approaches are used to address anxiety, depression and PTSD, they differ in their methods and structure.
Q: Can I do TRTP via telehealth?
A: Yes. Catherine offers TRTP sessions via telehealth. Please discuss your individual circumstances with Catherine to ensure telehealth is appropriate for your needs.
Q: Will I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
A: No. TRTP does not require you to provide a detailed verbal account of distressing experiences. Many people appreciate this aspect of the approach, although individual experiences vary.