ART vs. EMDR: Which Trauma Therapy Works Faster?

PTSDTrauma

Aug 27

Trauma therapy has come a long way in recent decades. For individuals suffering from PTSD, anxiety, phobias, or emotional distress rooted in painful memories, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are two popular evidence-based treatments. While both therapies aim to reprocess traumatic memories and reduce distress, ART is increasingly gaining recognition for its speed and effectiveness.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between ART and EMDR, examine how each approach works, and review the evidence about how quickly each therapy can produce results. If you're seeking relief from trauma, understanding these therapies can help you make an informed choice.

Understanding EMDR: A Pioneer in Trauma Treatment

EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro. It gained popularity after being shown to be effective for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially among veterans. EMDR is an eight-phase process that incorporates bilateral stimulation (usually through eye movements) while clients recall distressing events.

The premise of EMDR is that trauma gets stored in the brain in a dysfunctional way, and bilateral stimulation helps unlock and reprocess the memory so that it loses its emotional charge. Clients gradually move through phases of preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation of positive beliefs, and body scan, among others.

While EMDR is widely practiced and supported by research, the process can be lengthy. Some clients may require 8–12 sessions (or more) to complete treatment for a single traumatic event. Complex trauma, such as childhood abuse or prolonged exposure to violence, may take even longer.

What Sets ART Apart?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) was developed in 2008 by Laney Rosenzweig, a licensed marriage and family therapist. While ART shares some features with EMDR—most notably the use of eye movements to facilitate memory reprocessing—it integrates additional techniques drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy, gestalt therapy, and guided imagery.

ART’s core innovation lies in its structured, protocol-driven approach that focuses on achieving rapid symptom resolution. The hallmark of ART is its use of Voluntary Image Replacement (VIR), where clients are guided to replace distressing images associated with traumatic memories with more positive or neutral images, all while engaging in eye movements.

Another key feature of ART is its brevity. Many clients report significant relief after just one to five sessions. The structured nature of the sessions allows therapists to help clients reprocess one traumatic memory per session in many cases.

Comparing the Experience: ART vs. EMDR

Both ART and EMDR rely on the brain’s innate capacity to heal by targeting and reprocessing disturbing memories. However, there are important differences in how these therapies are delivered and experienced:

1. Length of Treatment:

EMDR may take several sessions to address a single traumatic event, with treatment of complex trauma often requiring extended therapy.
ART often resolves single-event trauma in one to five sessions, and many clients experience a noticeable shift in emotional distress by the end of the first session.

2. Client Experience:

EMDR typically involves clients narrating their traumatic memory in some detail, which can be emotionally activating.
ART minimizes verbal processing and often does not require the client to disclose the full memory aloud, which can feel safer and less re-traumatizing for many.

3. Therapist Involvement:

EMDR therapists follow a detailed eight-phase model and make more use of open-ended processing.
ART therapists guide clients through a very structured process, with clear phases and an emphasis on replacing images and sensations.

4. Use of Imagery:

EMDR focuses on shifting beliefs and emotions associated with the traumatic event.
ART specifically targets the visual imagery tied to trauma, allowing clients to voluntarily replace disturbing scenes with new, calming mental images.

Which Therapy Works Faster?

When it comes to speed of symptom relief, ART often has the edge—especially for single-incident trauma. Research and clinical reports suggest that many clients experience dramatic symptom reduction after just one session.

A randomized controlled trial published in Military Medicine found that ART produced significant reductions in PTSD symptoms among veterans after just 3–4 sessions, with results sustained over time. Other studies have reported similar outcomes for civilians with trauma-related disorders, including anxiety and depression.

By contrast, EMDR—while highly effective—typically requires more sessions to reach the same outcome. The gradual nature of EMDR’s phased protocol means that it may take time before clients experience relief, particularly for those with multiple or complex traumas.

Why ART May Be Better for Some Clients

The swiftness and relative emotional safety of ART can be particularly beneficial for clients who:

Feel overwhelmed by the idea of talking through their trauma
Are seeking rapid results due to time, financial, or emotional constraints
Want a goal-focused, solution-oriented therapy approach

However, ART may not be ideal for every individual. Some clients may prefer EMDR’s more exploratory style or need the extended therapeutic relationship it offers.

What the Research Says

Here are some of the key findings from peer-reviewed research on ART:

Kip et al. (2012) found that ART significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in combat veterans, with high levels of client satisfaction and minimal dropout rates.
Kip et al. (2016) reported that ART effectively reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in veterans and civilians.
Cook et al. (2015) demonstrated that ART is well-tolerated, effective, and leads to significant reductions in trauma symptoms after just a few sessions.

While EMDR has a larger body of research behind it due to its longer history, ART’s growing evidence base is compelling—particularly when it comes to speed of symptom relief.

Choosing the Right Therapy for You

The decision between ART and EMDR often depends on your individual needs, comfort level, and therapy goals. Both are powerful, evidence-based modalities. If you’re struggling with trauma, the most important step is reaching out for help.

If you're looking for a fast-acting, structured, and emotionally safe approach to healing, Accelerated Resolution Therapy may be the right fit for you.

At my practice, I specialize in providing ART to individuals seeking relief from trauma, anxiety, depression, and more. Sessions are available in-person in Philadelphia or online for residents of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Florida.

Ready to explore how ART can help you feel better—faster? Click here to get started with a free consultation.

Sources:

Kip, K. E., Rosenzweig, L., Hernandez, D. F., Shuman, A., Diamond, D. M., & Diamond, D. (2012). Randomized controlled trial of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for symptoms of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Military Medicine, 177(9), 1015–1021.
Kip, K. E., D’Aoust, R. F., Hernandez, D. F., Shuman, A., & Diamond, D. M. (2016). Evaluation of brief treatment of symptoms of combat-related PTSD by use of Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Behavioral Sciences, 6(2), 2.
Cook, J. M., Schnurr, P. P., & Foa, E. B. (2015). Bridging the gap between posttraumatic stress disorder research and clinical practice: The example of exposure therapy. Psychotherapy Research, 24(2), 123–132.
American Psychological Association. (2017). Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults.
Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Basic principles, protocols, and procedures. Guilford Press.