Healing Complex Trauma with Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
If you’ve been carrying the emotional weight of past trauma, especially experiences that occurred repeatedly or during early life, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to suffer indefinitely. Complex trauma can leave deep, lasting emotional wounds that impact how you think, feel, and relate to others. But there is hope. One of the most effective and compassionate treatments available today is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a brief but powerful intervention that can help you reprocess painful experiences without having to relive them.
In this post, you’ll learn:
What complex trauma is and how it affects the mind and body
How Accelerated Resolution Therapy works
Why ART is so effective for complex trauma
Who should and should not use ART
How to get started in treatment with me, Laura Geftman, a licensed ART provider
Understanding Complex Trauma
Unlike a single-incident trauma, such as a car accident or natural disaster, complex trauma refers to exposure to multiple traumatic events over time—especially during childhood. These events may include neglect, abuse, domestic violence, loss, or instability. They often occur in relational contexts, making trust and emotional regulation especially difficult later in life.
According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, complex trauma can lead to:
Emotional dysregulation
Difficulty trusting others
Chronic anxiety or depression
Disassociation or fragmented memory
Self-esteem and identity issues
As these symptoms accumulate, they often result in Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), which can be even harder to treat than traditional PTSD.
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy is an evidence-based, brain-based form of psychotherapy that combines:
Eye movements
Voluntary image replacement
Relaxation techniques
ART helps clients reprogram how the brain stores distressing memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, ART does not require you to share every painful detail or relive your trauma repeatedly.
ART is structured, directive, and effective—many people experience relief in just 1 to 5 sessions. It was developed in 2008 by Laney Rosenzweig, LMFT, and is now practiced worldwide for trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, and more.
📖 Peer-reviewed study on ART’s effectiveness (Kip et al., 2016)
How ART Works for Complex Trauma
ART sessions typically last between 60–75 minutes and follow a consistent, step-by-step format. Here’s what you can expect:
Identify the issue – You and your therapist will select a target memory or distressing emotional response.
Track sensations – While focusing on the distressing image or body sensations, you’ll follow the therapist’s hand with your eyes.
Visualize change – You’ll be guided to replace the negative imagery with a more peaceful or empowering version.
Desensitize the emotion – Through repeated sets of eye movements, the emotional intensity is dramatically reduced.
Reinforce positive change – You leave the memory intact but without the distress.
By the end of the process, your brain "files away" the traumatic experience differently—no longer triggering the same stress or fear.
Why ART Is So Effective for Complex Trauma
Unlike many traditional methods, ART does not require years of weekly sessions or emotional exhaustion. In fact, many clients feel empowered and clear-headed after just a few sessions.
Key Benefits:
Non-retraumatizing: You don’t have to talk in detail about your trauma.
Rapid results: Most people notice changes within 1–5 sessions.
Whole-body approach: ART works with mind and body, addressing stored trauma.
Safe and structured: Sessions follow a clear format to ensure emotional safety.
📖 Veteran ART study published in Military Medicine (Kip et al., 2014)
Contraindications: When ART Might Not Be the Right Fit
While ART is safe for most individuals, there are a few situations where it may not be appropriate or should be modified:
Active psychosis (hallucinations, delusions)
Severe dissociative identity disorder
Unmanaged seizures or neurological instability
Current substance intoxication
Unstable cardiovascular conditions
Severe intellectual disability without adaptation
If you’re unsure whether ART is right for you, I offer consultations to assess your needs and guide you toward the best care options.
Who I Help: Meet Laura Geftman, LCSW
Hi, I’m Laura Geftman—a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and trauma specialist. I offer Accelerated Resolution Therapy in-person in Philadelphia and virtually across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Florida.
I’ve worked with hundreds of clients to heal from complex trauma, using evidence-based methods like ART, IFS, and schema therapy to help them reclaim peace and power in their lives.
You’re a good fit for ART with me if:
You’ve experienced ongoing or childhood trauma
Talk therapy hasn’t resolved your symptoms
You’re ready for a focused, results-driven approach
You want support from a compassionate, experienced clinician
👉 Ready to take the first step?
Click here to get started with treatment
Real Client Success Stories
“After three ART sessions, I felt like I could breathe again. Years of anxiety and panic melted away. I didn’t believe it was possible until I tried.”
— Former client (anonymous, shared with permission)
“Laura helped me process a traumatic childhood memory that haunted me for decades. ART gave me relief I never thought I’d have.”
— Philadelphia-based client
Frequently Asked Questions About ART for Complex Trauma
Q: Is ART the same as EMDR?
No. While both use eye movements, ART is not EMDR. ART is faster, more structured, and includes image replacement techniques unique to this method.
Q: Do I need to talk about the trauma?
No. You can process the memory silently while still receiving the full benefits of ART.
Q: How long does treatment take?
Most people notice significant changes within 1 to 5 sessions. Some clients benefit from booster sessions depending on the number or severity of traumatic memories.
Q: Can ART be done online?
Yes. I offer virtual ART sessions in PA, NJ, NY, and FL. Remote sessions are just as effective for many clients as in-person sessions.
Start Healing Today
Complex trauma doesn’t have to control your life forever. Accelerated Resolution Therapy offers a clear, structured path toward healing—without years of therapy or emotional retraumatization.
As a licensed therapist offering trauma-informed ART sessions, I am here to walk with you through this healing journey—compassionately and effectively.
👉 Click here to get started with treatment today
References
Kip, K. E., et al. (2016). Randomized controlled trial of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for symptoms of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Journal of Psychiatric Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.11.014
Kip, K. E., et al. (2014). Brief treatment of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by use of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Military Medicine. https://doi.org/10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00253
Rosenzweig, L. (Founder of ART). https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com