FAQs
Enough!, a community movement, is dedicated to seeking justice and accountability. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to voice their concerns and seek change. Our community is driven by the belief that every voice matters, and together, we can make a difference.
Why?
Since issuing the petition, we have received a lot of support. Many have been shocked but not surprised. We knew many people in the community would absolutely have a clear understanding of why, either because of personal experience or knowledge of others’ experiences with Jon. We also knew that many people would not understand, and may feel opposed and protective of Jon. Most, if not all, of us on the complaint likely would have had the same protective reaction prior to learning more allegations. We have been asked many questions, so we thought we would provide one place to find our responses.
Who filed the complaint?
To date, there are 15 signatures on the complaint, and 16 supporting individual statements. Many women have come foward and in response to the group complaint to the Florida Board and the petition and have informed us they, too, will be filing complaints against Jon Connelly.
Why are you doing this?
None of us who signed the complaint had anything to gain, except protecting women. The complaint isn’t the result of a vendetta. We don’t want the credibility of RRT to be affected negatively. We care about the RRT mission and community. We all knew we would be at risk of negative consequences and reactions for coming forward. We wouldn’t have done so unless we truly believed women are at risk of more than being made uncomfortable.
Why now?
Some of us on the complaint attended the Atlanta June 2024 training and were disturbed by Jon’s inappropriate comments, touching, and actions. We began to have conversations to support each other and to consider taking action. Then people began sharing their troubling personal experiences and this is when we realized the allegations were far beyond what we witnessed in the training. We fully believe that if this group had not begun to share what had kept them in shame, some for years, nothing would have happened. For one person to come forward is difficult, but a group of people can support each other. So, it is “now” because we finally united and brought the shame to the light.
We have spoken to clinicians who have left the RRT community over the years because they experienced misconduct or heard disturbing accounts of misconduct from people they trusted. There are many reasons someone might choose to leave or remain silent than speaking up, and we do not judge them for doing so.
How can you do this to someone who has done so much for the world?
We realize how difficult it can be to believe an admired, powerful, respected man in their community could be capable of the allegations in our complaint/petition. Often it is easier to blame the victim: What was she wearing? How short was her skirt? Isn’t she of legal age? Why didn’t she say something sooner? Why has she continued to be involved with him? The list can go on. Well, for those of us who are healers of sexual trauma and abuse we know that situations can be very complex. Some of the most painful and confusing situations are the ones where the abuser is also a loved one, a coach, a pastor, a mentor, or a friend. Someone trusted, who does good while also doing harm. We know that in those situations there can be many reasons someone might not come forward right away, and might continue to be in a relationship with the abuser. We all still believe Jon is brilliant, and we love RRT. We are just able to separate his accomplishments and power to heal, with the man who is also capable of harming.
Did you give Jon an opportunity first to address the allegations?
Many of us who filed the complaint have been clients and/or trained in RRT with Jon for many years, and have made attempts to give him feedback about how he interacts with women during trainings. None of these attempts have been taken seriously or welcomed. He had been approached with his best interest at heart, as well as the mission of RRT. Also, many complaints were made on training feedback forms from trainees and he refused to read them, let alone heed any advice. In addition, some of us recall Jon telling us himself of similar allegations made against him by women in the past, as well as legal action taken against him that he settled out of court. He has privately admitted to inappropriate sexual activity with clients and trainees, but has denied responsibility for any distress the women felt afterwards. In spite of his teaching that enlightened consent means it's okay now, and it's okay later. Knowing this we all agreed it would be another futile attempt to get him to see clearly.
Why did you request Jon’s resignation instead of leave of absence?
As stated above, “Did you sit down with Jon about the allegations and give him an opportunity to address the issues?”, Jon has not been open to feedback from anyone, not even his staff. Therefore, we lost all hope that anything would change in the organization that would create an ethical space for trainees, clients, or staff as long as Jon was involved on any level. We also did not believe he would actually take a leave of absence even if he claimed he had. So, we requested a resignation.
Why aren’t you providing evidence for us to review?
Some people are willing to speak to and be questioned by investigators, but prefer to maintain their privacy with the public. Some have been willing to share details with others offering support, and with other survivors. The only people currently entitled to examine evidence are the investigators with the Florida Department of Health and Licensing Board.
We do not have a desire to try and convince anyone in the RRT community that the allegations are true or actionable. We leave that in the hands of the Florida Board. We can only inform you of our complaint. We know the truth no matter what happens next.
You don’t have to see things as we do. We actually understand why it would be difficult to do so for anyone who is first hearing this news. Again, we don’t feel inclined to convince you of anything. We simply want to inform you of the allegations and potential investigation. As healers of sexual trauma, our ultimate goal is to inform and protect women.
IRRT said they are investigating the allegations. What is the status of that?
We do not know who is leading their investigation and have no knowledge about what their process might be. Anyone wanting transparency about IRRT’s internal investigation should direct questions to them. Our hope is the Institute for Rapid Resolution Therapy (IRRT) takes the allegations very seriously. Without a system of reporting, investigation, and accountability in place - there is no way to oversee a safe professional working or learning environment for trainees or staff. If you are a current member of IRRT, we suggest you ask the following:
-
What independent third party or qualified unbiased party will be conducting the investigation referenced in an IRRT statement on their member portal on July 18th?
-
How and when will the investigation be conducted and what is the expected timeline of the investigation?
-
What is the IRRT code of conduct in regard to ethics? Please post a copy on the member portal and email to each member.
-
How will everyone, including Jon Connelly, be held accountable to the IRRT code of conduct in regard to ethics. For instance, what will the process be for reporting an ethical violation? What qualified professional, unbiased, independent party would they be reported to? What consequences would occur? Such as suspensions or expulsions of membership/leadership?
-
What alternative leadership is in place or will become in place to conduct trainings should Jon Connelly be found guilty of ethical violations, incompetency, or incapable for any reason?
Furthermore, it is also our hope IRRT cares about its members and checks on their wellbeing, as well as offers refunds to those who have requested such.
What is going to happen to RRT community members who have been kicked out or no longer want to be part of IRRT?
Because we do not believe Jon will ever step down, we will be forming a collective that will be offering community and learning opportunities for former IRRT members. It is time to evolve and move things forward with a fresh perspective. We intend to start the collective soon but are also realistic of the tasks that are before us regarding the complaint.
Update 9.2.24 - NEW COLLECTIVE- Moving Forward: while a new collective is being formed, a transition collective (Moving Forward) has been created for former members of IRRT / RRT as a place to experience community, healing, and learning. IRRT has revoked membership for anyone who signed this petition, indicating there is no interest in the concerns of the community members, or in addressing the issue/allegations.
www.RRT-moving-forward.com
Announcement of Moving Forward website launch 8.14.24:
Website Launched! | Moving Forward | Former IRRT/RRT Members Transition Site/Directory
Announcement of Moving Forward trainings launch 8.30.24:
Trainings & Events Scheduled! | Moving Forward | Former IRRT/RRT Members Transition Site/Directory
​
Subscribe for Updates
Subscribe to get updates regarding Enough!, a community movement, and/or hear about developments of the new collective (name and details coming soon) for former members of the RRT / IRRT community who are interested in our fresh vision for the community, including learning opportunities.
Petition: Resignation of Jon Connelly
Our petition for the resignation of Jon Connelly embodies the collective voice of our community. It reflects our firm stance against unethical and illegal conduct and serves as a powerful tool to demand accountability. Sign the petition and join us in saying Enough!
Participate / Volunteer
Co-Lead a Support / Process Group
​We understand some members of our RRT community are having a hard time processing the news of the allegations/complaint/petition. In response, we are organizing some support/process groups for the community. We understand the power of connecting through this transition.​ If you are interested in co-leading a support / process group, click the "Participate / Volunteer" button below.
​
Help Us Launch and Build Our New Collective
​We are excited to announce we will be forming a new collective for community connection and learning opportunities. We are in the planning stages. It will be a collective with a fresh vision for the community and modality. We will need assistance launching and building our new collective. If you are interested in volunteering your time and expertise, click the "Participate / Volunteer" button below. We promise to not take advantage of anyone's generosity.
​