Why Do Eye Movements Help With Distressing Memories?
Eye movements are used in both EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy, or ART. Research suggests that recalling a distressing memory while simultaneously performing a demanding eye-movement task can make the memory less vivid and, to a lesser degree, less emotionally intense. The exact mechanism is still being studied.
ART vs. EMDR: How Is Bilateral Stimulation Used Differently?
ART and EMDR are often grouped together because both use eye movements. But eye movements are only one part of each therapy. EMDR typically uses bilateral stimulation within a more associative reprocessing process, while ART uses repeated eye-movement sets within a more directive sequence involving memory recall, body sensations, and imagery rescripting.
How Do Eye Movements Work in Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy, or ART, uses visually guided eye movements while clients work with distressing memories, body sensations, and imagery. But why might that help? ART-specific mechanism research is still limited, so the most responsible answer draws from ART outcome research, broader eye-movement science, working-memory theory, and what we still do not know.