ART vs. EMDR: What’s the Difference and Which Trauma Therapy Is Right for You?

May 11

If you’ve been searching for trauma therapy options, chances are you’ve come across Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Both are evidence-based treatments designed to help people heal from trauma and emotional distress—but they work differently and may not feel the same for every client.

So how do you know which one is right for you?

This post breaks down the similarities and differences between ART and EMDR, comparing their techniques, structure, emotional impact, and more—so you can better understand your options and take a confident step toward healing.

What Is EMDR?

EMDR has been around since the late 1980s and is one of the most well-known trauma therapies. Developed by Francine Shapiro, EMDR helps people process traumatic memories by stimulating both sides of the brain (bilateral stimulation), usually through eye movements, tapping, or sounds.

The idea is that traumatic memories get "stuck" in the brain, and EMDR helps reprocess those memories so they no longer trigger intense emotional reactions. It typically involves 8 structured phases and may take multiple sessions to fully address a single traumatic memory.

What Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?

ART, developed in 2008 by Laney Rosenzweig, also uses bilateral eye movements but takes a more structured and imagery-based approach. Instead of focusing on long-term processing over multiple phases, ART aims to resolve the emotional charge of distressing memories quickly—often in 1 to 5 sessions.

ART incorporates something called Voluntary Image Replacement, where the client replaces distressing mental images with more positive or neutral ones. The result? Clients often feel relief from trauma without having to retell the story in detail or re-experience the emotional pain.

Key Similarities Between ART and EMDR

✅ Evidence-Based: Both are backed by research and effective for PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
✅ Use of Eye Movements: Both therapies rely on bilateral stimulation to help the brain process and integrate distressing memories.
✅ Non-Invasive: Neither therapy uses medication or invasive techniques.
✅ Work Well With Trauma: Both are highly effective for treating single-incident trauma and complex trauma.

Why Some Clients Prefer ART

While EMDR has been around longer, more and more clients and therapists are turning to ART for its efficiency, emotional safety, and quick results. Here’s why:

Less Emotionally Overwhelming: ART doesn’t require you to relive or describe your trauma in detail.
Faster Results: Some clients feel significant relief after just one session.
Clearer Path: ART follows a consistent protocol that makes it easier for some clients to trust the process.
Empowerment Through Imagery: Changing the image of a traumatic memory gives clients control over how they remember it—without erasing it.

Why EMDR May Be a Better Fit for Some

EMDR remains a gold standard in trauma treatment for a reason. It may be the right fit if:

You want a deeper exploration of your trauma over time.
You're open to verbalizing and reprocessing emotions as they arise.
You prefer a more flexible structure that allows you to guide the session flow.
You’re dealing with complex PTSD or trauma that spans multiple experiences or developmental stages.

Therapist Perspective: Combining ART and EMDR

Many trauma-informed therapists are trained in both EMDR and ART and may use them interchangeably based on your needs. In some cases, ART is used to reduce immediate distress before beginning EMDR for deeper work. In others, ART alone is enough to resolve the issue.

Therapists may also blend these approaches with modalities like:

Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Attachment-based therapy
Somatic or body-based therapies

This integration ensures you get a personalized, flexible path to healing.

How to Choose Between ART and EMDR

Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding:

Do I want fast results and minimal emotional distress? → ART might be right for you.
Am I willing to go deep and talk about what happened? → EMDR may be a good fit.
Do I have a limited number of sessions or resources? → ART is often more time-efficient.
Am I overwhelmed or emotionally shut down when I talk about trauma? → ART’s low-verbal nature can feel safer.

Still unsure? A consultation with a trauma-informed therapist trained in both can help you make the best decision.

Final Thoughts: Both ART and EMDR Can Change Your Life

There is no one-size-fits-all path to healing. Both ART and EMDR are incredible tools for trauma recovery. The key is finding what works best for you—your history, your goals, your nervous system.

The most important thing is that you’re not alone, and help is available. Whether you choose ART, EMDR, or a combination of approaches, you’re taking a powerful step toward reclaiming your peace, safety, and emotional freedom.

Ready to Explore ART or EMDR?

If you're curious about Accelerated Resolution Therapy or EMDR, I’d love to help you explore which one feels right. Reach out to schedule a consultation—let’s work together toward healing in a way that supports your whole self.

Laura Geftman