Art Therapy in Brooklyn: Discover the Power of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

If you’re exploring art therapy in Brooklyn, chances are you’re seeking a therapeutic approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy—something creative, engaging, and effective. While conventional art therapy involves the use of visual art for emotional expression and exploration, there’s a cutting-edge, neuroscience-based alternative that offers rapid results for trauma and anxiety: Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).

I’m Laura Geftman, LCSW, a New York-licensed therapist offering virtual ART sessions to clients across Brooklyn—from Williamsburg to Park Slope, Bushwick to Bay Ridge. Whether you're facing unresolved trauma, chronic anxiety, or stress from daily life, ART offers a fast, effective, and research-backed solution.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

  • What ART is and how it compares to traditional art therapy

  • Conditions ART effectively treats

  • Research behind ART

  • What virtual ART sessions are like

  • Why ART is ideal for Brooklyn residents

  • How to get started today

What Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a brief, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps clients resolve distressing memories, trauma, and emotional challenges using a combination of:

  • Rapid eye movements

  • Memory visualization

  • Voluntary image replacement

Rooted in modalities like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and guided imagery, ART reprograms how traumatic memories are stored in the brain—often in as few as 1–5 sessions.

Unlike traditional therapy, ART doesn’t require you to talk through your trauma. You stay in control, and most clients experience noticeable relief quickly.

ART vs. Traditional Art Therapy

When Brooklynites search “art therapy,” many are thinking of expressive arts therapy using physical materials like paint, clay, or drawing tools. While this form of therapy is valuable for emotional exploration, ART offers a distinct path to healing.

If you’re looking for relief from emotional pain, not just a way to express it, ART may be the better option—especially when time, privacy, and results matter.

What Conditions Can ART Help Treat?

ART is highly effective for treating a wide range of mental health concerns:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Anxiety and panic attacks

  • Depression

  • Childhood trauma

  • Complicated grief

  • Phobias

  • OCD symptoms

  • Relationship trauma and breakup recovery

  • Sleep issues and nightmares

  • Chronic illness-related stress

  • Performance anxiety

  • Vicarious trauma (common in healthcare and service professions)

ART is particularly powerful for trauma survivors, offering resolution without re-traumatization.

What the Research Says About ART

Several peer-reviewed studies have validated the effectiveness of ART as a treatment for trauma and emotional distress.

Supporting Studies:

  • Kip et al. (2013): A randomized controlled trial found ART significantly reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety in U.S. veterans. 🔗 Full study here

  • Waits et al. (2017): A systematic review highlighted ART's safety, efficiency, and sustained outcomes. 🔗 Read the article

  • Kip et al. (2016): Demonstrated lasting improvements in PTSD symptoms and quality of life. 🔗 Link to study

These findings echo my clients' experiences—many feel significant relief within just a few sessions.

What to Expect in a Virtual ART Session

Virtual ART is conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Whether you’re in Downtown Brooklyn or Brighton Beach, you can access therapy without leaving your home.

A Typical Session Includes:

  1. Choosing a memory or emotional trigger to address (you don’t have to share all the details).

  2. Eye movement exercises that mimic REM sleep to process stuck memories.

  3. Image replacement—you’ll be guided to replace distressing visuals with new, empowering imagery.

  4. Resolution and review, to ensure the issue has lost its emotional charge.

Sessions last 60–75 minutes. Most people experience noticeable shifts after just 1–2 sessions.

Why ART Is Ideal for Brooklyn Residents

Brooklyn is full of vibrant culture, creative energy, and diverse communities—but also full of stress. From rising rent to daily commutes, high-intensity careers, and global uncertainty, life here can take a toll.

ART is a great fit for Brooklynites who:

  • Work long hours and want fast relief

  • Prefer not to relive or discuss trauma in depth

  • Are seeking treatment that is science-backed

  • Value privacy and convenience

  • Want flexible scheduling

With virtual ART, you can get high-impact therapy without leaving your apartment or workspace.

About Me: Laura Geftman, LCSW

I’m a licensed clinical social worker with advanced training in trauma treatment, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy. I offer virtual ART throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

My clients include:

  • Healthcare professionals

  • Teachers

  • Students

  • Entrepreneurs

  • Parents

  • Artists and creatives

Whether you're navigating a personal crisis or just want to feel more emotionally regulated, I provide a warm, client-centered space to help you heal and grow.

Client Experiences

"After one session of ART with Laura, I felt a huge weight lift. I’ve tried other therapies, but nothing worked this fast." — Client in Crown Heights

"Virtual ART felt strange at first, but it’s incredibly effective. I resolved a trauma I’ve carried for years without ever saying it out loud." — Client in Greenpoint

Get Started with Virtual ART in Brooklyn

If you’re searching “art therapy Brooklyn” and want a fast, effective, and evidence-based treatment for trauma, anxiety, or emotional distress, consider Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).

You don’t need to be an artist. You don’t need to rehash painful memories. You just need the desire to heal—and the right guide.

👉 Ready to get started?
Click here to book your first virtual ART session.

Let’s transform the way your mind stores stress—so you can live with more peace, freedom, and clarity.

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