What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy® (ART®) is a brief, structured form of psychotherapy that helps people process distressing memories and symptoms by changing how those memories are stored in the brain. ART uses guided eye movements and visualization techniques to reduce emotional and physical reactions to past experiences while allowing you to stay fully in control. Many clients report significant relief in just a few sessions, and trauma and many other issues can often be resolved in just one session.
This therapy is highly structured, with the therapist guiding the client through a step-by-step process. The focus is on resolving the emotional and physical sensations connected to a memory, rather than on the narrative details of the event itself, and you do not need to describe your trauma in detail to benefit.
So how does ART therapy work?
ART works through a process called memory reconsolidation, which helps your brain change the way painful memories are stored. During an ART session, you’ll remain fully in control as your therapist guides you through a series of eye movements while you recall a difficult memory or feeling. Through this process, your brain can safely “update” the memory.
Your therapist will guide you to replace distressing images with new, calm, or positive ones. This allows the factual memory of the event to remain, but the painful emotions and physical reactions are eliminated. The process is designed to be empowering, as you are in control of the images you create and the pace of the session.
Why is ART therapy effective at treating trauma?
ART is particularly effective for trauma because it directly targets the distressing images that are often at the core of post-traumatic stress. By changing these images, ART can provide rapid and lasting relief from the symptoms of trauma, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. Clinical studies have shown ART to be effective for trauma-related symptoms, anxiety, depression, grief, phobias, and more.
One of the key benefits of ART is that clients do not need to talk in detail about their traumatic experiences, which can be re-traumatizing for some individuals. The focus is on the internal experience of the memory, not the external narrative. Furthermore, ART is a very brief therapy, with many clients experiencing significant relief in just 1-5 sessions, making it a time-efficient and effective treatment.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy® and ART® are registered service marks of Rosenzweig Center for Rapid Recovery.
What issues can ART therapy address?
ART can effective in treating a broad range of issues, including:
- Anxiety
- Attachment Trauma
- Betrayal Trauma
- Birth Trauma
- Burnout
- Childhood Trauma
- Complex Trauma
- C-PTSD
- Codependency
- Depression
- Developmental Trauma
- Eating Disorders
- Emotional Abuse
- First Gen Trauma
- First Responder Trauma
- Gaslighting
- Grief and Mourning
- Intergenerational Trauma
- Medical Trauma
- Menopause
- Military/Combat Trauma
- Narcissistic Abuse
- Neurodivergence
- OCD
- People Pleasing
- Pre- and Post-Natal Trauma
- PTSD
- Racial Trauma
- Relational Trauma
- Relationship Strain
- Religious & Spiritual Trauma
- Sexual Trauma
- Vicarious Trauma
- And more...
FAQ’s about ART:
Here at Evergreen, our therapists customize interventions for every therapy session. While your therapist may use ART as the primary modality for addressing specific traumatic memories, they will likely draw from other interventions and methodologies to support your overall clinical goals and well-being.
Yes, ART can be done virtually. However, not all clients or situations are suited for virtual sessions, so it is important to connect with your provider to ensure it is a good fit for you and your therapeutic goals.
ART is both brief and highly focused. While many evidence-based trauma therapies—like EMDR, Prolonged Exposure, or Cognitive Processing Therapy—can require several months of sessions, ART uses a structured protocol that allows meaningful change to occur in much fewer sessions, often within one to five visits. It also emphasizes client control and avoids prolonged reliving of trauma.
What if I’m Not Ready?
Not Quite Ready to Book a Complimentary Concierge Matching Call? That’s Okay.
We understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make this decision easier for you.
Starting therapy can bring up mixed feelings—part of you might be eager, while another part hesitates to confront deeply buried emotions. You might doubt whether therapy can help, especially if you’ve struggled for a long time or had disappointing experiences with untrained therapists or life coaches. At Evergreen Counseling, our trauma-trained therapists are deeply committed to providing expert care.
Here’s How We Can Help You Move Forward
- Complimentary Concierge Matching Call: Our concierge matching call is an opportunity for you to ask questions, share your concerns, and see if our approach feels right for you—without any obligation.
- Reimbursement Options: Concerned about the cost? We can guide you on how to get reimbursed for therapy using your out-of-network insurance benefits, making high-quality care more accessible to you.
- Informed Decision: Whether you’re ready to start or still exploring your options, we want you to feel fully informed and confident in your choice.
