Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a unique approach to psychotherapy. ART is procedural, though creative; and you (the client) are in control of the process, while the therapist is a guide. The specific and unique way in which the techniques are delivered in ART tends to result in a more rapid and complete recovery. Clients find relief from distress by the end of a treatment session rather than having to wait for several sessions. ART sessions are calming for the client and very often joyful by the end. 

Understanding the Approach

In ART we say, “Keep the Knowledge, Lose the Pain.” ART is unique because the therapist guides you to replace negative images that the mind associates with difficult experiences that cause unwanted symptoms with positive images of the client’s choosing.  ART focuses more directly on how negative images are connected with emotional and physical reactions. When combined with desensitization, through visualization (imaginal exposure), this intervention has a powerful effect on changing the relationship to their traumatic narrative. Although clients know that the new image is not the actual image from their memory, changing the images affects the enhances the level of emotional and physical functioning. The narrative will remain, but the narrative will not trigger the problem symptoms. Once the negative images have been replaced by positive ones, the triggers will be gone. This combined with metaphorical language act as reinforcements for the changes made during treatment.

ART draws on a variety of different well-established therapies and techniques that include Gestalt, Cognitive Behavior, Guided Imagery, EMDR, Psycho-dynamic, and Exposure therapy.  ART is unique as it combines elements of these approaches with the enormous power of eye movements to allow voluntary changes to occur in the mind. 

Eye movements are calming and therapeutic in addition to being evidenced-based. It has been shown that they produce theta waves in the brain. Theta waves have been connected to creativity, intuition, and daydreaming. These brain waves are often present during meditative states as well.

What can it help with?

PTSD, OCD, Generalized Anxiety, Phobias, Panic Attacks, Addiction Struggles, Performance anxiety, victimization/poor self-image, abuse, dream sequence, relationship issues/infidelity, codependency, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, grief, job related stress, and Generalized Depressive Disorders.

Evidence Based

ART is recognized as evidenced-based by the Society of Clinical Psychology, Div. 12 of the American Psychological Association (APA).Some of the growing body of research that shows ART is effective may be found by clicking the following link: https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/evidence-based/