How We Treat
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
ART is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment designed to address painful or distressing memories while significantly reducing emotional distress. Most clients experience meaningful results within just 1-5 sessions. ART is particularly effective in treating ongoing issues that arise in daily life, as it includes a structured protocol to help clients manage "typical day" challenges. This approach makes it ideal for addressing conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, poor self-image, addictions, and more.
How Does ART Work?
The Counseling Center Group offers a unique opportunity for clients to receive ART. The process is shorter than traditional therapy and is very effective in resolving trauma. The therapist guides the client through a series of eye movements and voluntary image replacement that help to release the emotional impact of the trauma. The therapist also helps the client to reframe the event so that it no longer has the same emotional charge.
ART Session - What to Expect
ART draws from several existing therapeutic approaches in order to reprogram how our brain stores upsetting memories or images to reduce the severity of distressing reactions.
In an ART session, the use of rapid eye movements while focusing on specific parts of a memory enable the client to neutralize strong negative responses (and associated physical sensations) to that memory.
Clients are in complete control of the entire ART process, with ART-trained clinicians as guides. This prevents retraumatization, and clients do not have to share details about their traumas to see results.
Unique Aspects of ART
- Clients are not required to share their distressing memories with the therapist
- Clients can participate in other therapies and medical treatments
- Clients are always in control of the treatment. ART is not hynotherapy
- There is no homework, and the client does not have to recall traumatic memories in between sessions
Similarities Between ART & EMDR
ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) share several key similarities, including:
- Are evidence-based treatments with significant research supporting their efficacy.
- Treat Trauma including traumas related to a specific incident(s) (often called “T” trauma)
- Treat ongoing situations we struggle with daily (often referred to as “t” trauma’s).
- Apply bilateral stimulation (BLS). BLS refers to the use of a stimulus that is presented to both sides of the body often with the use of light sound or touch. The most commonly used BLS is bilateral eye movements (EMs)
- Are both relatively short-term treatments (with ART, some clients feel relief in just one session).
Differences Between ART & EMDR
ART:
- Works to replace negative images and sensations by replacing them with more positive ones.
ART incorporates Imagery and Sensations
Sessions have very little interaction between the therapist and the client, in fact, the therapist does not necessarily need to know what the specifics are that client is working on. This is extremely beneficial with shame-based traumas.
- Therapist works from a predetermined script, directing the client to specifically focus on certain things during each BLS.
- When a strong reaction occurs, treatment is not paused. Therapist and client work through the difficult reaction as it will dissipate shortly.
- Basic Training is 21 hours. Advanced trainings follow.
ART treatment can be completed in as little as one session.
ART is procedural in nature and therefore does not require a strong therapeutic relationship prior to commencing.
EMDR:
- Incorporates cognitive interweaves. negative cognitions (how one feels about oneself) as a result of traumatic events, and works towards replacing those negative cognitions with positive ones.
- EMDR incorporates Cognitions and Sensations
Client will discuss findings throughout the session with the therapist. Therapist has a more active role in directing determining and guiding the direction of the session.
Therapist provides client with a starting point for each BLS. The BLS helps the client to easily freely associate, enabling the client to discover connections other events in their life.
When a strong reaction occurs, treatment is paused and tools to regulate emotions may be applied.
Basic Training is 44 hours. Advanced trainings follow.
A strong therapeutic alliance with the client, a recognition of common goals and honest communication are all important.
Together with your therapist, you will identify the most effective treatment approach tailored to your specific goals.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy(ART) Resources
ART for Civilian and Military PTSD and Sexual Trauma (Military Medicine 2015) View Document
Brief Treatment of Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by Use of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART®) (Behavioral Sciences 2012) View Document
Review of Empirical Evidence Base – Kevin E. Kip, Ph.D View Video
Accelerated Resolution Therapy(ART) FAQs
What conditions/challenges does ART help with?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a highly effective therapeutic approach that helps individuals overcome a wide range of mental health conditions and challenges. It is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with:
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- anxiety disorders
- depression
- obsessive compulsive disorder
- phobias
- grief
- addiction
- emotional issues
- poor self image
- procrastination
- other trauma-related conditions
Whether it’s traumatic memories, distressing experiences, or emotional burdens, ART empowers individuals to process and resolve these challenges, leading to improved mental well-being and an overall greater quality of life.
Is ART suitable for everyone? Adults, adolescents?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is versatile and can be suitable for both adults and adolescents. It’s effective for treating a variety of issues such as trauma, anxiety, and depression. However, its suitability might vary depending on individual circumstances and specific mental health conditions. It’s important to consult with a trained therapist to determine if ART is the right approach for your needs.
Contact us to schedule your free 15-min consultation call with a trained ART therapist.
How long do ART sessions typically last?
The duration of an ART session can vary but typically ranges from 60-90 minutes. During this time, individuals engage in a structured therapeutic process guided by a certified ART therapist.
The overall length of the ART session allows for a comprehensive exploration of the individual’s concerns, facilitating the application of ART techniques to address and resolve emotional challenges effectively.
ART sessions are designed to be efficient and intensive, often yielding significant results in a shorter timeframe compared to traditional therapy approaches. It’s important to note, that the specific duration may be adjusted based on the client’s needs and progress, with some sessions occasionally extending beyond the standard timeframe to ensure that the individuals receive the support and assistance needed for their unique situation.
Ultimately, the flexibility in session length allows ART therapists to tailor the treatment to best serve their clients’ therapeutic goals.
ART vs. Traditional therapy
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) differs from traditional therapy approaches in several key ways:
Duration of Treatment: ART is typically a shorter-term therapy, often requiring fewer sessions to achieve significant results compared to traditional therapies that may span several months or years.
Techniques: ART utilizes unique techniques, including rapid eye movements and memory reconsolidation, to expedite the processing and resolution of emotional distress and traumatic memories, whereas traditional therapy relies on verbal communication.
Emphasis on Visual Imagery: ART places a strong emphasis on visual imagery and sensory aspects of memory recall, making it distinct from traditional talk therapy, which focuses primarily on verbal communication.
Minimal Verbal Reliving: In ART, clients are not required to extensively discuss or relive their trauma verbally, which can be distressing for some individuals in traditional therapy settings.
These are differences that highlight how ART offers an alternative and efficient path to addressing emotional distress and trauma-related issues compared to traditional therapeutic methods.
What is the history of ART
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) was developed in 2008 by Laney Rosenzweig, a licensed marriage and family therapist. Initially trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Rosenzweig began exploring ways to make therapy more efficient and less distressing for clients. She experimented with the eye movement component of EMDR and discovered that by combining it with techniques like image replacement—where clients are guided to replace disturbing images with more positive ones—she could help people resolve trauma more quickly. This approach led to the development of ART, a structured, directive, and client-centered therapy that focuses on rapid symptom resolution, often in just a few sessions.