Accelerated Resolution Therapy - ART
What is ART?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a relatively new, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps individuals address and overcome the negative effects of trauma, PTSD, and stress-related disorders. It was developed by Laney Rosenzweig in 2008 and draws on similar principles as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), using eye movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.
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However, ART distinguishes itself by offering a highly structured and time-limited approach. Many people experience significant relief from symptoms after just a few sessions, often within one to five sessions.
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How does it work?
The idea behind ART is that traumatic experiences and stressful memories get "trapped" in the brain in a way that keeps them emotionally charged. ART helps reprocess these memories so that they no longer trigger intense emotional reactions. This is achieved by combining memory recall with guided eye movements, helping to "reprogram" how the brain stores and responds to traumatic memories.
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One unique feature of ART is the "voluntary image replacement" technique. Clients are guided to mentally replace distressing images associated with their trauma with positive, peaceful, or neutral images, creating new associations that reduce emotional distress.
Key Benefits of ART:
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Quick and Efficient: ART is known for its rapid results. Many people feel significant relief after just one or two sessions, which makes it appealing for those looking for fast and effective treatment.
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Does Not Require Detailed Trauma Disclosure: Unlike traditional talk therapy, ART does not require individuals to verbalize or go into detail about their traumatic experiences. This can be particularly helpful for those who find it too painful to speak about their trauma.
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Reduces Emotional Distress: By reprocessing traumatic memories, ART reduces the emotional charge connected to those memories, allowing individuals to recall their experiences without being overwhelmed by negative emotions.
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Addresses Physical Symptoms of Stress: ART is also effective in treating physical symptoms that may arise from trauma, such as headaches, stomach issues, and muscle tension, which are common in stress-related disorders.
What to Expect in an ART Session:
During an ART session, the therapist guides you through the process of recalling troubling memories while focusing on guided eye movements. The therapist helps you envision these memories and then encourages you to "rewrite" the mental imagery associated with the trauma by substituting them with more positive, peaceful scenes. You maintain control of the session, and the therapist helps facilitate the reprocessing of memories.
The main components of an ART session include:
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Recall of the Problematic Memory: You briefly visualize the distressing memory or event in your mind.
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Eye Movements: While holding the memory in your mind, you follow the therapist’s hand movements with your eyes, which activates neural processes that help reprocess the memory.
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Image Replacement: The therapist guides you through mentally replacing the distressing images with new, more positive images, helping to change the emotional response associated with the memory.
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Review and Reflection: After the reprocessing is complete, the therapist checks in to see how you’re feeling and reviews the session.
Is ART Right for You?
ART may be a good fit for you if:
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You are struggling with trauma, PTSD, or stress-related disorders and want a fast-acting, non-invasive approach.
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You prefer a therapeutic approach that does not require extensive verbal disclosure of traumatic events.
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You want to reduce the emotional impact of difficult memories and replace them with more positive imagery.
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You are looking for an evidence-based therapy that has been shown to work in a short period of time.
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Because ART is highly structured and does not require revisiting trauma in detail, many individuals find it to be a safe and effective option for addressing deep-rooted emotional issues. As with any therapy, it's important to consult with a licensed ART practitioner to see if this approach is suitable for your particular needs.
What Healthy Minds Clinicians are ART trained?​