How TRTP Works: Breaking the Cycle of Fight, Flight, or Freeze

An Easy-to-Understand Look at The Richards Trauma Process (TRTP)

Let’s face it — trauma is a word we hear a lot these days. But for many people, the real effects of trauma go way deeper than just a bad memory or emotional scar. Trauma lives in the body, shows up in our reactions, and lingers long after the danger is gone.

You might have heard of terms like “fight, flight, or freeze.” They describe the automatic responses our brains and bodies have to stress or perceived danger. What many don’t realize is that, for people with unresolved trauma, this survival system can get stuck — keeping them anxious, shut down, reactive, or even chronically exhausted.

That’s where The Richards Trauma Process (TRTP) comes in.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how TRTP works — in a totally down-to-earth, easy-to-understand way. No therapy jargon, no complicated science speak. Just a clear picture of how this powerful process helps people finally break out of survival mode and into real healing.

First, What Is TRTP?

TRTP (The Richards Trauma Process) is a unique approach to trauma healing that helps calm your nervous system and change how your subconscious mind sees past experiences.

It's gentle, fast, and — most importantly — effective.

It’s made up of three clear stages, and the whole process usually takes just three to five sessions. That’s it.

No months (or years) of talking through trauma. No rehashing painful memories over and over. TRTP works with your subconscious mind — where trauma actually lives — and helps it finally let go of that fight/flight/freeze loop.

What Is the Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response, Anyway?

Fight, Flight Freeze

Think of this as your body’s emergency alarm system.

When something scary or stressful happens — like a car accident, abusive relationship, childhood neglect, or even a really toxic work situation — your nervous system jumps into action. It’s trying to protect you.

• Fight means you prepare to fight off the threat.

• Flight means you run.

• Freeze means you shut down, go numb, or dissociate.

These are natural, protective reactions. But the problem happens when your body doesn’t turn the alarm off — even after the danger is long gone.

That’s how people end up feeling constantly anxious, hypervigilant, numb, depressed, or emotionally stuck. Their bodies are still acting like the danger is happening right now.

So… How Does TRTP Actually Help?

Great question.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the three TRTP stages — and how each one helps your nervous system finally feel safe again.

Stage 1: Get You Out of “Stuck” and Into Empowerment

In this first step, your TRTP practitioner helps you build a strong foundation of safety and self-belief. You’ll work together to gently challenge those sneaky subconscious beliefs like:

• “I’m not safe.”

• “I’m not enough.”

• “I have no control.”

You don’t need to go into your full trauma history here. This is more about preparing your mind and body to shift from “powerless” to “I’ve got this.”

Tools like guided imagery, deep relaxation, and simple conversations are used to help calm your nervous system and open the door for healing.

Why this matters:You can’t resolve trauma if your brain still believes you’re in danger. This stage flips the switch — helping your subconscious know you’re safe now.

Stage 2: Resolve the Trauma (Without Reliving It)

This is where the magic happens.

You’ll be guided into a calm, focused state — kind of like meditation or deep daydreaming — where your subconscious is more open and receptive. You’ll revisit the traumatic memory from a place of power, safety, and control.

But don’t worry — you won’t have to relive the trauma or go into every detail. TRTP is not about digging up pain. It’s about changing the emotional charge connected to the memory.

Here’s what happens:

• Your subconscious “rewrites” the story, putting you back in control.

• The event becomes something that happened, not something that’s still happening.

• Your body can finally relax — because it no longer thinks it needs to protect you 24/7.

  
  

Clients often say:

“It’s still a memory, but it no longer controls me.”

Stage 3: Step Into the Future — Empowered and Free

Once the trauma is resolved, it’s time to reinforce your new identity. You’ve done the work. Now, you get to move forward.

This stage helps you:

• Strengthen positive beliefs about yourself.

• Visualize and step into the life you want.

• Feel safe, calm, and in control — for real this time.

Think of it like cement setting. Everything you’ve done in the first two steps is now becoming solid and lasting.

What Makes TRTP Different?

People often ask, “How is this different from regular therapy?”

Here’s the truth: traditional talk therapy is great for some things — but when it comes to trauma, talking alone isn’t always enough. That’s because trauma often lives in the body, not just the mind.

TRTP works differently because:

• It goes straight to the subconscious — where trauma is stored.

• It works with the nervous system, not against it.

• It’s fast — usually done in just a few sessions.

• It’s safe — no reliving trauma, no being stuck in the past.

TRTP doesn’t just help you cope. It helps you actually heal.

Real-Life Changes After TRTP

Here’s what people often notice after completing the process:

✅ Less anxiety and overthinking

✅ Sleeping better

✅ Feeling more grounded and calm

✅ Fewer emotional triggers

✅ More confidence and self-trust

✅ A clearer sense of purpose

They describe it like stepping out of a fog. They still remember what happened — but it no longer defines them.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Broken — You’re Wired for Survival

If you’ve been living in fight, flight, or freeze mode… if you’ve tried therapy but still feel stuck… or if you just want to finally feel safe inside your own skin — TRTP might be the key.

At Merka Wellness, we believe healing doesn’t have to take years. It doesn’t have to be painful. And you don’t have to go it alone.

TRTP is here to help your nervous system finally breathe a sigh of relief — and help you get back to living.

Curious if TRTP is right for you?

Let’s talk.

 and we’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you decide if it’s a good fit.

You deserve to feel safe. You deserve to heal. And we’re here when you’re ready. 💛