Can Accelerated Resolution Therapy Be Done Virtually? Yes — Here's How and Why It Works

Written By Laura Geftman

In the world of mental health treatment, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is gaining momentum for its fast, effective, and non-invasive approach to resolving trauma, anxiety, and other emotional struggles. With the increasing demand for flexible and remote care options, one important question comes up often: Can Accelerated Resolution Therapy be done virtually?

As a licensed therapist trained in ART, I offer in-person sessions in Philadelphia and virtual sessions for clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Florida. And yes — based on both client success and available research, ART can be highly effective when conducted virtually.

This post explores what makes virtual ART work, how it compares to in-person sessions, what to expect, and how to decide what’s best for your mental health journey.

What Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy is a structured, evidence-based therapy that uses guided imagery and eye movements to help clients process distressing memories and symptoms. ART has been shown to be effective in treating:

  • PTSD and complex trauma

  • Anxiety and panic

  • Depression

  • Phobias

  • Grief

  • OCD

  • Substance use triggers

  • And more

Unlike traditional talk therapy, ART allows you to resolve painful experiences without having to share every detail aloud. This makes it especially powerful for clients seeking relief from trauma while preserving privacy and emotional safety.

Can ART Be Done Over Telehealth or Zoom?

Yes. ART can be conducted over secure video platforms like Zoom for Healthcare or other HIPAA-compliant systems. In my practice, I ensure that virtual sessions are just as supportive, structured, and transformative as in-person ones.

The core components of ART — bilateral stimulation (eye movements), visualization, and narrative rescripting — translate seamlessly to virtual sessions with a few adjustments. For example:

  • Clients follow my hand or a pointer on screen for eye movements.

  • I provide clear verbal guidance during visualizations.

  • Sessions are held in a quiet, private space with stable internet access.

Research Supporting Virtual ART

While research into ART specifically via telehealth is still emerging, existing studies show that:

  • ART is effective in brief formats, often in as few as 1–5 sessions (Dixon et al., 2016).

  • ART's reliance on internal imagery and processing — rather than physical contact or intensive verbalization — makes it ideal for remote delivery (Rosenzweig et al., 2019).

  • Many clinicians have reported high satisfaction and similar outcomes with ART via telehealth, especially during and post-pandemic (Sheldon, 2021).

Peer-Reviewed Sources:

  • Dixon, D., et al. (2016). "Accelerated Resolution Therapy: Randomized Controlled Trial of ART for Symptoms of Combat-Related PTSD." Behavioral Sciences.

  • [Rosenzweig, L. (2019). "ART as a Treatment for Psychological Trauma." Journal of Psychotherapy Integration.]

  • [Sheldon, C. (2021). "Teletherapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy in a Pandemic World." Journal of Military Psychology.]

My Services: Virtual ART in PA, NJ, NY, and FL

As a licensed therapist, I provide virtual ART to clients who live in:

  • Pennsylvania

  • New Jersey

  • New York

  • Florida

Virtual sessions are conducted securely through a HIPAA-compliant platform. You don’t need any special equipment — just a private space, a device with a camera, and stable Wi-Fi.

📍 In person sessions are also available in my Philadelphia office for those who prefer face-to-face therapy.

What Happens During a Virtual ART Session?

Here’s what you can expect in a typical online ART session:

  1. Grounding & Check-In
    We begin by grounding and establishing safety, both emotionally and within your environment.

  2. Identifying the Issue
    You’ll be gently guided to identify a distressing memory or symptom you'd like to address.

  3. Eye Movement Sets
    You follow a hand or cursor on the screen with your eyes, stimulating bilateral brain activity.

  4. Voluntary Image Replacement (VIR)
    You are guided to shift how you see the memory, replacing it with something more positive or neutral.

  5. Processing & Debriefing
    We close with relaxation, integration, and a review of your experience.

Sessions last 60–75 minutes and may be effective in just one session or over a short series.

Benefits of Virtual ART

  • ✅ Access from anywhere in PA, NJ, NY, or FL

  • ✅ No commuting or waiting rooms

  • ✅ Comfortable in your own space

  • ✅ Flexible scheduling

  • ✅ Just as structured and effective as in-person sessions

Is Virtual ART Right for You?

Virtual ART is a good fit if you:

  • Prefer therapy from the comfort of your home

  • Live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, or Florida

  • Have reliable internet and a private space

  • Are open to trying something different from traditional talk therapy

If you’re struggling with anxiety, trauma, grief, or stress — and want a fast, gentle approach to healing — ART could be the answer you’ve been looking for.

How to Get Started with Virtual ART

If you're ready to explore ART with a licensed, compassionate, and highly trained therapist — I'm here to help.

  • 📍 In-person sessions available in Philadelphia

  • 💻 Virtual sessions available in PA, NJ, NY, and FL

  • 🗓️ Booking is easy and flexible

You can schedule a session directly through my website here.

Final Thoughts: Yes, ART Works Online — And I’m Here for You

Accelerated Resolution Therapy is transformative, effective, and adaptable. Whether you’re near me in Philadelphia or living elsewhere in PA, NJ, NY, or FL, you can access high-quality ART sessions that support deep healing and emotional relief — all from the comfort of your home.

Ready to take the next step? Let’s talk.

Laura Geftman
Next

Accelerated Resolution Therapy vs. Rapid Resolution Therapy: Key Differences Explained