When the past still feels present.
Sometimes you understand where a reaction comes from, but understanding alone doesn’t always change how your mind and body respond.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a structured, trauma-focused approach that uses guided imagery and eye movements to help you process distressing memories and experiences differently.
Throughout the process, you remain in control. And unlike some forms of trauma therapy, you don’t have to talk through every detail of what happened in order to work through it.
What Is ART?
During an ART session, your therapist guides you through a structured process that combines eye movements with guided imagery while you notice the thoughts, emotions, images, and physical sensations connected to a difficult experience.
Rather than erasing or changing the facts of what happened, ART works to change how distressing memories are experienced, so they may no longer carry the same emotional and physical intensity.
The memory remains. The way it affects you can change.
Resource Visit the official Accelerated Resolution Therapy website (opens in a new tab) to learn more about the treatment model and its development.
You Don’t Have to Tell the Whole Story.
For some people, talking in detail about a painful experience can feel overwhelming, or simply unnecessary.
With ART, you choose how much you want to share. Much of the processing happens internally while your therapist guides you through the structured process.
This allows you to work with difficult experiences without having to describe every detail aloud.
What Can ART Help With?
ART may be used as part of treatment for a range of concerns connected to distressing memories, experiences, or emotional responses, including:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Childhood trauma or abuse
- Anxiety and panic
- Phobias and fears
- Grief and loss
- Distressing or intrusive memories
- Performance-related anxiety
Your therapist will work with you to determine whether ART is appropriate for your concerns, history, and treatment goals.
How Long Does ART Take?
ART is designed as a focused approach, and some people may notice meaningful change within a relatively small number of sessions.
The number of sessions varies depending on what you are working on, your history, and whether there are multiple experiences or treatment goals to address.
Your therapist will work with you to determine the pace and length of treatment based on your individual needs.
Fewer sessions does not necessarily mean less meaningful work.
ART, EMDR, or Another Approach?
ART and EMDR are both trauma-focused approaches, but they are different therapies with different structures and processes.
Some people may be drawn to ART because of its structured, focused approach and the ability to work with difficult experiences without describing every detail aloud. Others may benefit more from EMDR or another evidence-based therapy.
You don’t need to know which approach is right for you before you begin. Your therapist can help you consider your history, goals, preferences, and current needs and recommend an approach that makes sense for you.
Interested in ART?
Lisa Arnabat offers Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) at Coastal Wellness. Learn more about Lisa and her approach to see if she may be a good fit for you.