Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

 

What is ART?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a structured, imagery-based therapy designed to process trauma, anxiety, and distressing emotions quickly and effectively. ART uses visualization, body awareness, and metaphorical techniques that allow the brain to reprocess troubling memories and emotions, so they don’t hit as hard when you think about them. It’s designed to provide relief in a short amount of time, often in just 1-5 sessions.

How Does ART Work?
In ART, we’ll work together using bilateral stimulation and guided imagery to revisit and reframe troubling memories or emotions (I can adapt the process to support those of us who may have difficulty visualizing or are not as comfortable with imagery). ART uses eye movements to loosen up how your brain stores the memory. We calm your body after each short burst of visualization (avoiding getting overwhelmed from the feelings) and then we shift the experience by bringing in what you needed in that moment, helping it feel like it went differently, even when it didn’t.

ART is similar in many ways to EMDR (it was actually created from it), which many of us have heard about for its effectiveness in processing trauma. ART uses similar mechanisms for healing (see the differences outlined here: ART-vs-EMDR_100722.pdf), and generally has similar effectiveness, if not better. It’s not as well known because it takes a lot of time for research to catch up with current practices (EMDR was created in 1987, and ART was created in 2008), and then it takes even longer for the general public to become aware of it.

 

What Problems Does ART Work Best For?

  • PTSD

  • Anxiety and panic

  • Trauma-related memories

  • Grief and loss

  • Low self-esteem and self-worth issues

This list isn’t exhaustive, as I’ve used it effectively for issues such as depression, complex trauma (C-PTSD), eating disorders, poor body image, gender dysphoria (I use it to help affirm one’s gender – no transphobia here), anger and irritation, dyslexia and dyscalculia, chronic pain, hallucinations, focus issues, bedwetting, selective mutism, and even navigating big life decisions. With more complex issues, it may take more than five sessions to fully address them, but still, ART moves progress along much more quickly than other therapies.

 

ART is especially effective for those who are:

·        Seeking quick emotional relief

  • Struggling with trauma or emotional overwhelm

  • Looking for structured, goal-oriented therapy

·        Wanting to heal without having to share the details of what happened

 

What to Expect in ART Sessions

Sessions are structured and highly focused. We’ll work together to identify troubling memories or experiences, and I’ll guide you through visualizations designed to reduce the intensity of emotions tied to those memories. ART is often shorter-term compared to traditional therapies, providing a noticeable felt improvement after just a few sessions. Those who’ve experienced it often report feeling lighter, calmer, and more at peace after just one session – many walk away from each session feeling more hopeful and serene, without the typical trauma therapy slump afterward.

 

Is ART Right for You?

  • Do you find it hard to stop reliving past traumatic experiences?

  • Are you seeking a faster, solution-focused approach to healing?

  • Do you feel emotionally overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward?

If you're unsure whether ART is the right fit for you, feel free to reach out for a free consultation, and I’ll be happy to talk through with you what needs you have, and give my honest opinion about what will suit you best.