Quick Start Guide to Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

May 10

If you're exploring new and effective ways to address trauma, anxiety, or painful memories, you may have come across Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Maybe you’ve even searched for "accelerated resolution therapy near me”—and for good reason.

ART is a short-term, evidence-based therapy that’s rapidly gaining popularity for its ability to bring fast and lasting relief from emotional pain—often in as few as 1–5 sessions.

This comprehensive Quick Start Guide to Accelerated Resolution Therapy will walk you through:

What ART is and how it works
What an ART session is like
Steps of the ART process
Benefits and possible drawbacks
Criticisms of ART
Scientific research supporting its efficacy

Whether you're a trauma survivor, clinician, or just curious, this post will help you understand if ART is right for you.

What Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a type of psychotherapy developed by Laney Rosenzweig in 2008. It blends principles from existing evidence-based therapies like EMDR, CBT, and imagery rescripting. The result? A structured, effective, and often surprisingly fast treatment for a range of mental health conditions.

ART is especially known for:

Processing trauma without having to speak the details aloud
Rapid symptom relief
Techniques based on eye movements and memory reconsolidation

ART is used to treat:

PTSD
Complex PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
Phobias
Grief
Moral injury
Substance abuse

The therapy is often described as a “brain reset” for distressing images and emotions.

What Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy Like?

A common question is: "What is accelerated resolution therapy like?"

Here’s what most clients experience:

You stay fully conscious and in control the whole time.
You don't need to go into detail about your trauma (unless you want to).
Sessions are structured but flexible, often lasting 60–75 minutes.
Your therapist will guide your eyes side-to-side using a hand motion, similar to EMDR.
You will recall a distressing memory and gradually replace the emotional images with neutral or positive ones using a technique called Voluntary Image Replacement (VIR).
Most people feel a sense of emotional relief, calm, or even “lightness” after a session.

In short, ART feels like emotional spring cleaning—without having to relive everything you’ve been through.

Steps of Accelerated Resolution Therapy

ART follows a structured protocol designed to safely access and change how distressing memories are stored in the brain. Here's a breakdown of the steps of Accelerated Resolution Therapy:

Intake and Safety Planning:
Your therapist gathers background information and ensures you're emotionally ready to process trauma.
Target Memory Selection:
You choose a specific image or memory that causes emotional distress.
Eye Movements for Relaxation:
You follow your therapist’s hand while thinking about the memory. This helps reduce physical and emotional intensity.
Detailed Visualization of the Memory:
You silently replay the distressing event in your mind, with eyes moving. Your therapist checks in to ensure you remain regulated.
Voluntary Image Replacement (VIR):
You actively change the mental images to something less distressing—like visualizing a safe outcome or symbolic healing.
Sensory and Body Scan:
You notice any physical sensations and continue eye movements to release tension.
Repetition or Layering (if needed):
If the memory has multiple layers or associated events, you can revisit additional parts.
Closure and Grounding:
The session ends with deep breathing and grounding techniques. You may reflect on how the memory now feels “different.”

ART does not erase memories—it reduces the emotional intensity and changes the visual and sensory impact of those memories.

Benefits of Accelerated Resolution Therapy

The benefits of Accelerated Resolution Therapy are both practical and emotional.

✅ Fast Results

ART often works in 1–5 sessions, making it one of the most time-efficient therapies available.

✅ Non-verbal Processing

You do not need to speak aloud about painful memories, making ART accessible for those who struggle to talk about trauma.

✅ Full Emotional Resolution

Unlike coping-based therapies, ART aims for emotional resolution, not just symptom management.

✅ Applicable to Many Issues

From war veterans to survivors of childhood abuse, ART is effective across a wide range of traumas and emotional challenges.

✅ Evidence-Based

Several studies have found ART to be highly effective for PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Key Research:

Kip et al. (2013): ART significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in military personnel.
Link to study
Kip et al. (2016): ART provided rapid and durable improvements in PTSD and depression symptoms.
Link to study
D'Andrea et al. (2013): ART was found to be effective in civilian trauma populations.
Link to study

Accelerated Resolution Therapy Pros and Cons

Like all treatments, ART has its strengths and limitations. Here’s a clear breakdown of the accelerated resolution therapy pros and cons:

Pros

Short-term therapy with long-term results
Minimal verbal disclosure needed
Reduces physical symptoms (e.g., tightness, shaking)
Non-invasive and drug-free
Can be adapted to virtual settings

Cons

Not widely available in all locations
May not be ideal for clients with active psychosis or severe dissociation
Success can depend on the skill of the therapist
May bring up intense emotions temporarily

Criticism of Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Despite its promise, ART is not without criticism.

Limited Long-Term Studies:
While initial findings are promising, critics argue that more independent, long-term research is needed to evaluate sustained outcomes.
Similarities to EMDR:
Some clinicians question whether ART is truly distinct from EMDR or simply a repackaged version with a different structure.
Accessibility:
Since ART is relatively new, finding a trained provider can be difficult, especially outside urban centers.
Overpromising Rapid Results:
While ART can be fast, not every client resolves trauma in 1–5 sessions, especially those with complex trauma or co-occurring disorders.

Despite these criticisms, many therapists and clients continue to report transformative experiences using ART.

How to Find Accelerated Resolution Therapy Near Me

If you’re wondering how to get started, it’s easy to find a qualified ART practitioner. Simply visit the ART International Training and Research website and search their provider directory:
👉 https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/find-a-therapist

When selecting a therapist, consider asking:

Are you certified in ART?
How much experience do you have with trauma?
What can I expect in my first session?

Many therapists now offer virtual ART sessions, expanding access to clients in rural areas or those with mobility issues.

Who Should Try ART?

ART may be a good fit if you:

Experience PTSD, anxiety, or disturbing memories
Want to avoid years of therapy
Struggle to talk about your trauma
Prefer a structured, results-focused approach

It may not be appropriate for:

Individuals with severe cognitive impairment
Clients in acute crisis or under the influence of substances
Those unwilling to revisit traumatic memories, even briefly

Always consult a licensed mental health professional to determine what’s right for you.

Conclusion: Your Quick Start to ART

Accelerated Resolution Therapy is a powerful, effective, and rapidly growing trauma treatment approach. Whether you're searching for a therapist, considering options for yourself or a loved one, or simply curious, ART offers a hopeful path to recovery.

By understanding what ART is like, the steps involved, its benefits and limitations, and the research backing it, you’re better equipped to make an informed decision about your mental health journey.

Next Steps:

✅ Search for an ART therapist near you: Find a Therapist
✅ Read the research: NIH Studies on ART
✅ Book a consultation and see how ART can change your life

Laura Geftman