Accelerated Resolution Therapy
A gentle, evidence-based approach to healing trauma—without reliving it.
What is ART?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy is an evidence-based trauma therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer trigger intense emotional or physical reactions.
Unlike some trauma therapies, ART does not require you to describe your trauma in detail. You remain in control of what you share. The therapy works with how your brain stores and retrieves memories, helping to reduce the emotional charge tied to painful experiences.
The goal isn't to erase memories—it's to change your relationship to them. After ART, many clients describe being able to recall difficult events without the overwhelming distress that used to accompany them.
How ART Works
Guided eye movements — Similar to what happens naturally during REM sleep, lateral eye movements help the brain process information differently.
Voluntary image replacement — You have the option to replace distressing mental images with more peaceful or neutral ones. This is entirely voluntary and guided by what feels right to you.
Reduces emotional charge — The therapy helps disconnect the intense emotions from the memory itself. The facts remain, but the overwhelming feelings soften.
Resolves body-based responses — Trauma lives in the body as much as the mind. ART helps calm the nervous system's automatic reactions.
Creates distance — Many clients describe feeling like the memory moves "further away" or becomes less vivid after processing.
ART vs. EMDR
You may have heard of EMDR—another trauma therapy that uses eye movements. While they share some similarities, there are important differences:
Pacing — ART typically works faster. Many clients see significant shifts within 1-5 sessions, compared to the longer timelines often needed with EMDR.
Verbal recounting — EMDR often involves more verbal processing of trauma details. ART does not require you to describe what happened—you can process silently if you prefer.
Image replacement — ART offers a unique voluntary image replacement technique that EMDR does not include.
Structure — ART sessions follow a more directive protocol, which some clients find containing and reassuring.
Neither approach is "better"—they're different tools. ART happens to be a particularly good fit for clients who want to process trauma without extensive verbal recounting.
Who ART Helps
ART has been used successfully with a wide range of experiences:
• PTSD and C-PTSD
• Childhood and developmental trauma
• Sexual assault and boundary violations
• Medical trauma and birth trauma
• Grief and traumatic loss
• Anxiety rooted in past experiences
• Phobias and panic responses
• Dissociation and DID
Common Questions
No. ART does not require detailed verbal recounting. You choose what to share. Many clients process their most difficult experiences without ever describing them aloud.
No. You remain fully awake, aware, and in control throughout the entire session. You can pause or stop at any time. There's no hypnosis or altered state involved.
Yes, with appropriate adaptation. ART can be modified to work safely with clients who experience dissociation. Pacing is careful, with emphasis on grounding, consent, and internal communication. We go slowly and check in frequently.
Many clients notice significant shifts within 1-5 sessions for a specific issue. However, everyone's process is different. Complex or layered trauma may take longer, and that's okay. We work at whatever pace feels right for you.
Your comfort is monitored closely throughout every session. We can pause, slow down, or use grounding techniques at any point. The goal is to process trauma without overwhelming your system—not to push through distress.
Yes. ART has been adapted successfully for telehealth delivery. Many clients find that being in their own space actually helps them feel safer during processing.
Curious if ART might help you?
A free consultation is a chance to ask questions, share what you're looking for, and see if this approach feels like a good fit.
Schedule a consultation