Accelerated Resolution Therapy
What is ART?
ART is an evidence-based therapy that uses eye movements to help people fully heal from past trauma, hurts, triggers, distressing emotions, and ingrained negative behavior patterns faster than traditional talk therapies.
ART is a therapy treatment that reprograms how the brain stores distressing memories and imagery so they no longer trigger strong emotional and physical reactions.
It involves the use of bilateral eye movements to process negative memories, images, and sensations.
ART is not hypnosis. You are fully aware and in control the entire time.
One of the unique aspects of ART is that it requires minimal vulnerability. You can choose to share as much or as little about your experiences as you want, and it does not impact how effective the therapy is.
How does ART work?
Typically, the brain naturally heals during REM sleep through rapid eye movement. This process helps move stress from short-term memory into long-term memory, where it becomes something you can remember without reliving emotionally.
When a trauma or painful experience is too overwhelming, that natural process can get interrupted. The memory stays “stuck” and continues to trigger emotional and physical responses.
ART uses that same natural healing process, but in a focused and intentional way. Through guided eye movements, we help your brain process what it was not able to heal from on its own.
The result is that the memory becomes something you can recall without the same emotional charge. It no longer drives your reactions, thoughts, or behaviors.
What does ART help with?
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trauma and past hurts
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anxiety and panic
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phobias
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OCD
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depression and grief
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negative self-talk and self-esteem challenges
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relational strain or past abuse
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ingrained emotional or behavioral patterns
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stress management and resilience
How quickly does ART work?
Many people experience noticeable relief after their first session.
Research and clinical experience show that most people reach optimal results within 3–5 sessions. Some people experience significant change in just one session.
Unlike many traditional therapies, ART does not require prolonged treatment, repeated exposure to painful memories, or homework outside of sessions.
Life improvement often occurs naturally after the distressing memory or pattern is resolved.
What should I expect in an ART session?
During an ART session, you will remain fully aware and in control the entire time. You will be guided through a structured process using eye movements while your mind processes the experience.
Again, ART is not hypnosis. You are fully aware and in control the entire time.
You do not need to retell every detail of what you have been through. You are able to engage in the process at your own level of comfort.
Most clients describe leaving sessions feeling lighter, clearer, and more at ease than when they came in.
What is the difference in ART and EMDR?
Many people who are looking for trauma therapy have heard of EMDR. Both EMDR and ART are evidenced-based therapies that use bilateral stimulation to help process and resolve distressing experiences.
There are similarities between the two approaches, but there are also some important differences that can impact the pace and experience of therapy.
ART was developed from EMDR, so they share a similar foundation. However, ART is more structured and direct in how each session is approached.
One of the biggest differences is the timeline.
EMDR treatment can take several months to a year to fully complete. ART is designed to resolve a full category of issues in a much shorter time frame, often within 3–5 sessions.
Another key difference is how the sessions are structured.
ART follows a consistent and specific process that is designed to produce reliable results. EMDR allows for more variation depending on the therapist and the tools being used.
ART also focuses heavily on using eye movements specifically, while EMDR may use a variety of bilateral stimulation methods.
Many people find ART to feel more focused and provides relief sooner.
ART does not require repeated exposure to painful memories or extensive homework outside of sessions. You are able to process what you have been through without having to fully relive or retell every detail.
Because of this, many people experience relief more quickly and feel a sense of closure sooner.
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ART
3-5 sessions typical
structured process
eye movements only
faster relief
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EMDR
months to a year
more variable structure
multiple stimulation methods
often longer process
Both EMDR and ART can be helpful and effective therapies.
My approach focuses on helping people find the most effective path to healing for them.
In my experience, ART provides a more direct and efficient way to resolve the kinds of issues most of my clients are struggling with.
If you have tried EMDR or other forms of therapy in the past and did not experience the results you were hoping for, ART may be a good next step.
Do you offer ART via telehealth?
The ART community does not endorse providing ART virtually.
While some therapists choose to offer it online, my priority is providing the highest quality of care possible. Because of that, I follow the official recommendations and provide ART in person only.
If you are not local and are looking for a provider, the ART directory is the best place to find a qualified therapist:
How can I learn more about ART?
ART is supported by research and used by therapists across the country.
If you would like to learn more, please click below to learn more about how ART works and the research behind it.
If you are ready for things to be different, or even just wondering if this could work for you, I would love to connect with you.
You do not have to have everything figured out before reaching out.
We can take the next step together.
