About The Relationship Recovery Process (RRP)

A Group-Based Therapy Model for Treating Childhood Trauma

The Relationship Recovery Process (RRP) is an experiential group therapy model developed by Amanda Curtin, LICSW, in the early 1990s.RRP is specifically designed to address childhood trauma originating from abusive or dysfunctional family systems.

At its core, RRP focuses on two primary goals:
-Finishing business with the internalized parent(s)
-Reclaiming intimacy within oneself, in partnerships, and among peers
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‍Although certain elements of RRP may be incorporated into individual therapy, the comprehensive model is intended for implementation within a structured group setting facilitated by a trained RRP therapist.

Understanding RRP:
Inner Child Work

RRP is anchored in the principles of inner child work. This strategy facilitates the reconnection of two essential aspects of the self:

The Adult Self

Which navigates present experiences and seeks individual development

The Inner Child

which retains emotional memories, attachment wounds, and early survival responses

When trauma occurs during early development, the inner child often gets stuck in a trauma based belief system that does not serve the purpose of being a fully actualized adult. The difficulty is as children that belief system kept one safe.Nevertheless, this aspect continues influencing adult behavior, regularly manifesting in ways that appear confusing, disproportionate, or stagnant. (reactions, attachment wounds, and replicating issues)

How the Inner Child Impacts Adult Life

Unresolved childhood trauma may manifest in adulthood as:
-Overreacting or shutting down in seemingly minor situations
-Feeling intense shame or urgency during conflict
-Repeating painful relationship patterns
-Avoiding goals or self-care
-Reliance on numbing or maladaptive coping behaviors, such as excessive use of food, alcohol, or technology
-Difficulty tolerating feedback or authority figures

These responses are frequently adaptive approaches developed in childhood that become maladaptive in adulthood.

The Two Core Goals of RRP

RRP is anchored in the principles of inner child work. This strategy facilitates the reconnection of two essential aspects of the self:

1. Finish Business

Finishing business includes redefining personal identity and appropriately assigning responsibility for past events.

For example: a child who was scapegoated may develop into an adult who internalizes the belief, “I’m the problem.”

RRP helps clients:
-Hold caregivers accountable for harmful dynamics
-Undo internalized shame
-Reassign misplaced responsibility
-Integrate early emotional pain

This process draws upon Gestalt therapy principles, especially those related to unfinished business and the processing of original pain.

2. Reclaim Intimacy

Reclaiming intimacy occurs within relational contexts, specifically within the therapeutic group setting.
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The group functions as a corrective emotional environment.
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Members:
-Practice vulnerability
-Notice relational patterns in real time
-Work through conflict safely
-Experience connection without reenacting childhood roles

The group setting accelerates healing by intentionally addressing and repairing early relational imprints established within the family of origin.

Amanda Curtin

LICSW, is a therapist from Cambridge, MA, who developed this trauma model based on inner child work. Her approach helps individuals connect their adult self with their inner child to heal past wounds.

Amanda's page

Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for in person professional medical advice. It is not intended to replace the services of a therapist, physician, or other qualified professional, nor does it constitute a therapist-client or physician or quasi-physician relationship.

If you are, or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room.

If you are having emotional distress, please utilize 911 or the National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255