Accelerated Resolution Therapy-Often called ART
WHAT IS ACCELERATED RESOLUTION THERAPY-ART?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy that utilizes relaxing, back-and-forth eye movements to help rewire the way we store memories. This treatment method is a brief, yet effective, form of exposure-based therapy that helps decrease an individual’s internal and external reactions to negative thoughts and memories associated with trauma and extreme stress. ART has been shown effective in treating issues that include PTSD, OCD, anxiety, depression, phobias, addictions, intrusive thoughts, and panic attacks.
ART draws on a variety of different techniques including Gestalt, Cognitive Behavior, Guided Imagery, EMDR and brief psycho-dynamic and exposure therapy. In experiencing Accelerated Resolution Therapy, an individual may find that it can help connect pieces of information that are already stored in his or her memory. An individual does not have to talk at length about the identified event or concern, which can help make this therapy feel less overwhelming. Ultimately, the brain is doing the work to make new connections to help provide resolution and closure.
How does Accelerated Resolution Therapy-ART help?
ART works directly to reprogram the way in which distressing memories and images are stored in the brain so that they no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions commonly associated with trauma and upsetting events. The eye movement exercises activate parts of the brain in a similar way as the rapid eye movements of dreaming. This causes changes in the way the brain stores, processes, and retrieves memories when the client experiences triggers.
An individual can find relief after one session. Depending on the extent of the trauma, or identified problems, often, multiple ART sessions are recommended. However, ART is short-term and usually does not take more than 3-5 sessions.
What makes Accelerated Resolution Therapy different than EMDR or regular therapy?
Both practices utilize rapid eye movements to facilitate shifts in the brain, however, ART is more focused and less time intensive. An individual can find relief from an identified problem within one session. Accelerated Resolution Therapy is more targeted to a specific event and catered to being a brief form of therapy.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy is NOT hypnosis. An individual will be talking to their therapist throughout the session. An individual is fully aware and does not lose consciousness throughout the process.