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Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

Similar to EMDR, but very different.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy, or ART, was developed by Laney Rosenzweig in 2008 by combining a variety of techniques to discover a quicker, more effective way to   process trauma.  ART is not the same as EMDR, (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) but they both use bilateral simulation in order to change the way the brain responds to trauma.  The key difference between the two techniques is that ART  does not simply neutralize negative images, but uses voluntary positive replacement to change negative images into positive ones.  There are many things about ART that make it different than other types of trauma therapies and treatment.  Here is an article explaining the differences between ART and EMDR.

  • ART  is fast and effective.  Other trauma therapies take anywhere from 8 to 10 sessions to resolve an issue.  ART can help resolve a significant problem in as little as one session. 

  • Unlike other types of trauma-focused therapies, ART does not require one to talk about the details of their trauma in order to resolve it.  All that is required is to be able to see the images in the mind as if watching a scene from a movie.

  • Because there are many causes for mental suffering , Accelerated Resolution Therapy  offers a range of protocols to direct clients to the most effective treatment for their specific issue. 

What does a basic ART session look like?

  1. When experiencing ART, the client is reminded that they are in total control of the therapy, the therapist is like "Google Maps" and the client is behind the wheel of the car. 

  2. During the process the client is asked to visualize their problem images as if they were seeing a scene from a movie, while concurrently moving their eyes back and forth or holding on to buzzing hand panels. 

  3. The trauma therapist then asks the client to put aside their 'scene' and notice the emotions and sensations they are experiencing.  The eye movements or use of hand buzzers are then used to help calm the negative sensations they feel as a result of thinking about their trauma. 

  4. Although it can be difficult to work through upsetting memories from the past, clients report that they often feel 'lighter' and can now see their trauma with more understanding, in a matter-of-fact way.

  5.  Read what else ART clients have to say.

Holding Hands Outdoors
Pastel Sofa Setup

FAQ about ART

1. Does ART only work for resolving trauma? No. Accelerated Resolution Therapy can be used to resolve trauma, but it can also be used to help the brain cope with anxieties better, eliminate phobias, reduce symptoms of OCD, reduce or even eliminate physical pain. ART is a creative brain process which can change the way the brain responds to potentially triggering or threatening situations.

2. Is ART the same as EMDR? No. There are several things that make ART different and even better than EMDR. They both use bilateral stimulation as a way to directly change the brain, but ART is more direct in its approach to resolving problems. The EMDR process allows clients to follow their thoughts and feelings until the underlying problem is identified. An ART therapist is able to help the client identify the problem before the actual process begins, making the resolution quicker, safer, and more effective.

4. Does ART work for children and teens? Yes. As long as the someone is able to hold on to an image in their mind and play through memories as if they are watching a scene from a movie, it is effective for all ages.

5. Are there limitations to ART that I need to know about? Yes. For some individuals, it is difficult to let go of certain thoughts, ideas, or feelings. If a client is not ready or unwilling to resolve or let go of a painful issue, then ART will be ineffective. When a client holds on to a trauma or negative emotion, they are having, what we call, "secondary gains" from that feeling or memory. For example if someone thinks, "I believe the childhood traumas I went through made me the strong person I am today", they will most likely not feel the need to resolve those past traumas or experiences. When the brain is unable to let go of the hate or pain, Accelerated Resolution Therapy will not be effective in helping them heal.

3. How long does a typical ART session take? Depending on the client and the situation that is being resolve, a typical ART session will take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes to complete.

6. Is ART difficult to do? Yes and No. Trauma work is exactly that, it's work. It is not fun to relive past traumas and difficult memories, but the time ART saves in the long run makes the healing process a lot more bearable.

7. Does ART only work for in-person sessions? No. My online clients are able to receive the same benefits from Accelerated Resolution Therapy as those in-person clients. The only difference is that the online clients will use a bilateral stimulation website to simulate eye-movements where as my in-person clients will use tactile bilateral stimulation in the office. The results are the same and just as effective.

8. Is ART hypnosis? No. ART is not hypnosis and it does not cause amnesia or any difficulty in remembering the facts. We say, "Keep the knowledge, lose the pain", because you will always remember what happened, you will just no longer be triggered by the memory of the trauma.

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