Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an evidence based psychotherapy proven to quickly and effectively help people recover from trauma and other distressing events including PTSD. Clients often report significant improvement in symptoms after as little as one session.
During an Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) session, the ART clinician works with the client to help them identify specific memories that are causing distress and negatively affecting their well-being. Then, the clinician will help the client to identify the negative images associated with the traumatic memory and replace them with with positive images of the client's choosing. Once the negative images are replaced with positive ones, this helps to eliminate flashbacks, nightmares and triggers associated with the traumatic event.
ART works by using guided eye movements to help the client make voluntary changes in their thinking.
After the client and the clinician agree to use Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) as the intervention, the client will book the ART session, which needs to take place in-person, and has an 80 minute duration.
ART does not require talking in detail about the distressing event. Instead, the ART clinician helps the client to identify the distressing image(s) associated with the memory, and then the client chooses a positive image to replace it with. The ART clinician guides the client through the process of using eye movements to help the client to enter into a relaxed state. The clinician will move their hand or an object back and forth in a series of quick and controlled movements, while the client tracks the movements with their eyes. The therapist acts as the guide during the processing phase, while the client remains alert and in total control.
The experience is often very relaxing for the client, and many clients report feelings of relief and even joy by the end of session.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an effective therapy for children, youth and adults of all ages.
It is often used to treat:
Myth: ART is like hypnosis.
Fact: ART is not the same as hypnosis. The client is fully aware and in control during the entire therapy process.
Myth: ART changes or erases distressing memories.
Fact: ART does not change or erase memories. Instead, it helps to replace distressing images associated with a trauma with positive images of the client's choosing. The memory is not changed, instead, the client is able to think of a more positive image instead of a distressing one when reflecting on the memory.
Myth: ART is a 'do-it-yourself' therapy.
Fact: ART is a clinical intervention and should only be offered by trained and licensed mental health clinicians.
Information sourced from:
https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/
https://www.therapyutah.org/
