Can Accelerated Resolution Therapy Be Done Virtually? A Guide for Therapists

Training

Apr 3

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is increasingly being used in telehealth settings, especially as more therapists and clients seek flexible, accessible care.

A common question clinicians ask is:

Can Accelerated Resolution Therapy be done virtually?

The short answer is yes—ART can be effectively adapted for telehealth, with thoughtful attention to clinical structure, pacing, and safety.

What Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy that uses:

• Eye movements
• Imaginal exposure
• Memory reconsolidation
• Voluntary image replacement

It is designed to help clients process distressing memories and reduce symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties—often within one to five sessions.

Can ART Be Done Virtually?

Yes, Accelerated Resolution Therapy can be conducted via telehealth.

Many therapists successfully use ART in virtual sessions by adapting how eye movements and client engagement are facilitated.

However, delivering ART online requires intentional adjustments to maintain effectiveness and safety.

How ART Works in a Virtual Setting

Eye Movements on Screen

In virtual ART sessions, therapists guide eye movements using:

• hand movements within the camera frame
• visual tracking tools
• client-directed gaze shifts

The key is ensuring the client can comfortably follow the movement without strain or confusion.

Maintaining Clinical Presence

Because ART is an experiential therapy, therapists must be especially attuned to:

• shifts in affect
• body language (as visible on screen)
• signs of overwhelm

This requires strong clinical focus and pacing, sometimes even more so than in-person work.

Structured Protocol Still Applies

The ART protocol remains the same in telehealth:

• identifying the target memory
• processing distressing images
• using eye movements
• replacing images
• closing the session safely

The structure is one of the reasons ART adapts well to virtual care.

Safety Considerations for Virtual ART

Delivering trauma-focused therapy online requires careful planning.

Client Stability

ART may not be appropriate for all clients in a virtual format, particularly those who:

• have limited emotional regulation skills
• lack a safe/private environment
• are in acute crisis

Environment Matters

Clients should be:

• in a private, uninterrupted space
• seated comfortably
• able to fully see the therapist’s movements

Grounding and Closure

Therapists should ensure:

• adequate time for grounding
• clear closure at the end of sessions
• a plan if distress continues after session

Benefits of Virtual ART

Virtual ART offers several advantages for both therapists and clients.

Increased Accessibility

Clients can access ART from:

• home
• rural or underserved areas
• locations without trained ART providers

Flexibility for Therapists

Therapists can:

• expand their reach
• offer services across licensed states
• integrate ART into telehealth practices

Continuity of Care

Telehealth allows ART to continue even when:

• clients travel
• weather or illness prevents in-person sessions

Limitations of Virtual ART

While effective, telehealth ART is not ideal in every situation.

Challenges may include:

• difficulty observing full body cues
• screen fatigue
• technical disruptions
• reduced sense of presence for some clients

For certain clients, in-person ART may still be preferable.

Do Therapists Need Special Training to Do ART Virtually?

Yes.

While ART can be adapted to telehealth, it is important that therapists:

• fully understand the ART protocol
• receive proper training
• develop confidence in pacing and safety

Because ART can produce rapid shifts in emotional processing, therapists must be prepared to guide clients effectively—whether in-person or online.

Final Thoughts

Accelerated Resolution Therapy is a flexible and powerful modality that can be used both in-person and virtually.

With proper training and thoughtful application, therapists can successfully integrate ART into telehealth practice and help clients achieve meaningful change in a relatively short period of time.

Interested in Learning Accelerated Resolution Therapy?

If you're a therapist interested in learning how to use ART in both in-person and virtual settings, I will soon be offering Accelerated Resolution Therapy trainings for mental health professionals.

You can join the waiting list to be notified when upcoming training dates are announced.

👉 Join the Accelerated Resolution Therapy Training Waiting List