what is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
TL;DR
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a client-centered therapy known for its rapid and effective relief from trauma, anxiety, depression, and more. ART helps clients reprocess distressing memories and emotions, often within 1 to 5 sessions. This blog covers how ART works, how it differs from EMDR, and why it could be a great option for new and current clients.
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that offers rapid symptom relief for individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. It utilizes a combination of relaxation techniques and guided imagery, allowing clients to reprocess traumatic memories without the need for extensive discussion or re-living the event. One of ART’s key features is its use of eye movements to facilitate the brain’s natural ability to reorganize how memories and emotions are stored, replacing negative images with positive ones.
Why Choose ART?
ART stands out because it often delivers quick and effective results, with many clients experiencing relief in just 1 to 5 sessions. Here are some of the benefits clients report:
Resolution of trauma and PTSD: ART is highly effective for treating trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). By replacing negative images with positive ones, clients often feel relief from recurring distressing thoughts, nightmares, and emotional triggers.
Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression: ART’s ability to rapidly change how distressing thoughts and feelings are processed can significantly improve anxiety and depression.
Alleviation of phobias and panic attacks: ART has been shown to work for a variety of anxiety disorders, including phobias and panic attacks, helping clients regain control over their emotional and physical responses.
Improvement in overall emotional health: Beyond addressing specific disorders, ART helps improve overall well-being by reducing emotional distress and fostering a sense of empowerment.
ART vs. EMDR: Key Differences
While both ART and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) use eye movements to assist in processing trauma, they differ in significant ways:
Directive vs. Non-directive: ART is more directive than EMDR. While EMDR allows clients to process their memories at their own pace, ART guides clients to replace negative images with positive ones in a more structured manner.
No need to verbalize trauma: ART doesn’t require clients to discuss the details of their trauma, making it less emotionally taxing. EMDR often involves recalling and discussing traumatic memories, which can feel overwhelming for some clients.
Faster results: While both therapies can be effective, ART tends to achieve results in fewer sessions—usually between 1 and 5—compared to the 8-12 sessions commonly needed with EMDR.
How ART Works
ART sessions typically begin with the therapist guiding the client through a calming technique to relax the body and mind. Then, through a process known as Voluntary Image Replacement, clients are guided to visualize the distressing memories or images that have been causing their symptoms. Using eye movements similar to those used in EMDR, the therapist helps the client mentally reframe the distressing imagery, replacing it with more positive or neutral images of the client’s choosing.
A key benefit of ART is that clients can resolve deep emotional pain without needing to share the details of their trauma aloud. The process is empowering and client-controlled, with the therapist acting as a guide throughout the session.
Is ART Right for You?
If you are looking for a fast-acting, evidence-based therapy that doesn’t require you to revisit the details of your trauma, ART may be a perfect fit. This therapy is ideal for individuals dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, or other mental health concerns. Whether you’re new to therapy or have tried other approaches, ART’s innovative and client-centered process can provide the relief you’ve been searching for.
New and Current Client Offerings
Shelby Corsano, LPC-MHSP, offers intensive ART sessions for both new and current clients. If you’re interested in seeing how ART can help you, sign up for a session today.
New Clients: Sign up here for a 120-minute intensive with Shelby Corsano, LPC-MHSP.
Current Clients: Message Shelby via the portal to request a 60 or 120-minute intensive session.
in gratitude,
tulip tree counseling
REFERENCES
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (n.d.). Evidence-based research on ART. Retrieved from https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/evidence-based/
Kip, K. E., Sullivan, K. L., Lengacher, C. A., & Rosenzweig, L. (2012). Brief treatment of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by use of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Behavioral Sciences, 2(2), 115-134.
Kip, K. E., Rosenzweig, L., & Hernandez, D. F. (2013). Randomized controlled trial of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for symptoms of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Military Medicine, 178(11), 1298-1309.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2015). ART classified as evidence-based by SAMHSA. Retrieved from https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/evidence-based
