Accelerated Resolution Therapy Training: What Therapists Should Know Before Getting Certified
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after trauma treatment trainings for therapists.
Clinicians are increasingly looking for approaches that are effective, efficient, and well-structured, especially when working with trauma, anxiety, grief, and complex emotional experiences.
ART has gained attention because it often produces significant results in just one to five sessions, making it appealing for both therapists and clients.
If you're a therapist considering Accelerated Resolution Therapy training, there are a few important things to understand before enrolling.
What Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Laney Rosenzweig that combines:
• Eye movements
• Imaginal exposure
• Memory reconsolidation
• Voluntary image replacement
The therapy works by helping clients reprocess distressing memories in a structured and controlled way.
Rather than repeatedly discussing trauma narratives, ART allows clients to change the way distressing images are stored in memory, often leading to rapid relief from symptoms.
Research has demonstrated promising outcomes for:
• Post-traumatic stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief
• Phobias
• Performance anxiety
Because of its structured protocol, many therapists find ART relatively easy to learn compared to other trauma therapies.
Why Therapists Are Seeking ART Training
Several factors have contributed to the growing interest in Accelerated Resolution Therapy training.
Shorter Treatment Duration
One of the most appealing aspects of ART is the speed of treatment.
Many clients experience significant improvement within one to five sessions, which contrasts with traditional therapy models that may require months or years.
For therapists, this allows them to help clients achieve meaningful change without long treatment timelines.
Clear, Structured Protocol
The ART protocol provides therapists with a clear framework for guiding sessions.
Unlike approaches that require extensive interpretation or theoretical formulation, ART offers a step-by-step clinical structure that therapists can follow.
This makes it particularly attractive for clinicians who want a trauma treatment model that is:
• systematic
• replicable
• clinically focused
Growing Research Support
Peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated ART’s effectiveness in reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression, and trauma-related distress.
The therapy has been studied in populations including:
• veterans
• civilians with trauma histories
• survivors of violence
• individuals with complicated grief
As research continues to grow, more therapists are becoming interested in learning the model.
What Happens During ART Training?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy training typically includes several components.
Learning the ART Protocol
The foundation of training involves learning the full ART protocol, including:
• eye movement techniques
• memory processing procedures
• image replacement
• grounding and closure
Therapists learn how to guide clients through each stage safely and effectively.
Clinical Demonstrations
Most trainings include demonstrations showing how the therapy works in practice.
Seeing the process unfold can help therapists understand how to navigate different clinical situations.
Practicing With Other Clinicians
ART trainings usually include experiential practice sessions.
Therapists take turns practicing the protocol with one another so they can experience both the therapist and client roles.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical use of trauma therapies is an important component of training.
Clinicians must understand:
• appropriate client selection
• contraindications
• scope of practice
• integration with other therapies
Can Accelerated Resolution Therapy Be Done Virtually?
Many therapists wonder whether ART can be conducted via telehealth.
In many cases, yes.
While some clinicians prefer in-person sessions, ART can often be adapted to telehealth with careful attention to:
• eye movement pacing
• client safety
• grounding techniques
• screen positioning
As telehealth therapy continues to grow, more therapists are learning how to use ART effectively in virtual settings.
Choosing the Right ART Training
If you're considering learning Accelerated Resolution Therapy, it's helpful to look for training that emphasizes:
• strong clinical understanding of trauma
• practical application of the protocol
• opportunities for consultation
• ethical integration with other modalities
Because ART can produce rapid change, it is particularly important that therapists feel confident and supported in using the method.
Join the Waiting List for Upcoming ART Trainings
I will soon be offering Accelerated Resolution Therapy training opportunities for therapists.
If you're interested in learning ART or receiving updates about upcoming trainings, you can join the waiting list below.
👉 Join the ART Training Waiting List
You'll be notified when training dates and consultation opportunities become available.
References
Kip, K. E., Rosenzweig, L., Hernandez, D. F., Shuman, A., Sullivan, K. L., Long, C. J., & Girling, S. A. (2013). Randomized controlled trial of accelerated resolution therapy for symptoms of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder.
Kip, K. E., Elk, C. A., Sullivan, K. L., Hernandez, D. F., Shuman, A., Long, C. J., & Rosenzweig, L. (2012). Brief treatment of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder using Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Resolution Therapy Training
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy training?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) training teaches therapists a structured, evidence-based approach for treating trauma and distressing experiences using eye movements, imaginal exposure, and memory reconsolidation techniques. Clinicians learn a step-by-step protocol that can be applied in a variety of clinical settings.
How long does Accelerated Resolution Therapy training take?
ART training typically begins with a three-day foundational course. After completing the training, many therapists begin using ART in their practice, with optional consultation and advanced training available to deepen their skills.
Can Accelerated Resolution Therapy be done virtually?
Yes, Accelerated Resolution Therapy can be adapted for telehealth. Therapists guide eye movements and the ART protocol through video sessions, with attention to pacing, client safety, and proper clinical application.
Is there free Accelerated Resolution Therapy training online?
While there are introductory resources available online, full Accelerated Resolution Therapy training is not typically offered for free. Clinical training requires live instruction, experiential practice, and guidance to ensure safe and effective use of the modality.
Who can learn Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
ART training is designed for licensed mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychiatrists. Some programs may also allow pre-licensed clinicians under supervision.
What does the ART protocol involve?
The ART protocol includes identifying a target memory, using eye movements to process distress, and applying voluntary image replacement to help clients change how the memory is experienced. The process is structured and typically completed over a small number of sessions.
How is ART different from EMDR?
Both ART and EMDR use eye movements to process trauma, but ART follows a more structured and directive protocol and often involves a shorter treatment timeline. ART also includes voluntary image replacement, which is a distinct feature of the model.
Do therapists need certification to use ART?
Yes, therapists should complete formal Accelerated Resolution Therapy training before using the modality in clinical practice. This ensures proper understanding of the protocol, ethical use, and the ability to manage client responses effectively.
Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy evidence-based?
Yes, ART is supported by peer-reviewed research demonstrating effectiveness in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related conditions.
How quickly does ART work for clients?
Many clients experience meaningful symptom relief within one to five sessions, though this can vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the issues being addressed.