Virtual Art Therapy in Lakewood, NJ: Discover the Power of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

If you're searching for art therapy in Lakewood, New Jersey, you may be struggling with anxiety, unresolved trauma, or emotional distress that just won't go away. While traditional art therapy uses creative tools like drawing or painting to support emotional healing, there's a modern, evidence-based method that provides rapid relief without requiring artistic skill or months of therapy.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a proven trauma-informed approach that helps individuals resolve distressing memories and symptoms in just a few sessions. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey, I provide virtual ART therapy to clients across the state, including those in the Lakewood area.

In this post, you'll learn:

  • What ART therapy is and how it compares to traditional art therapy

  • Peer-reviewed research supporting ART

  • What ART can help treat

  • How ART works in a virtual setting

  • What to expect in an online session

  • How to start therapy with me from Lakewood, NJ

What Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a form of psychotherapy that uses eye movements, voluntary image replacement, and guided visualization to help reprocess traumatic or distressing experiences. Developed in 2008, ART is a brief intervention often producing significant symptom relief in 1–5 sessions.

ART combines elements of:

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Memory reconsolidation techniques

One of the most important distinctions of ART is that you do not need to talk in detail about traumatic events. Instead, we target the images and sensations connected to distress, allowing you to find relief without being retraumatized.

ART vs. Traditional Art Therapy

When people search for art therapy in Lakewood, they’re often looking for a creative, expressive outlet. While traditional art therapy can be beneficial, it typically involves:

  • Using art materials to explore feelings

  • Long-term therapeutic relationships

  • Interpretation of artwork to gain insight

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is not the same as traditional art therapy:

If you want fast, focused relief and prefer virtual sessions, ART may be a more effective option for your needs.

What Can ART Help Treat?

ART is effective for a wide variety of psychological and emotional challenges, including:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Complex trauma or childhood abuse

  • Anxiety and panic attacks

  • Depression

  • Grief and loss

  • Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks

  • Phobias (e.g., fear of driving, flying)

  • Performance anxiety (e.g., athletes, public speakers)

  • Obsessive thoughts

  • Low self-esteem and self-worth

  • Medical trauma and chronic pain

ART offers symptom resolution even for long-standing or treatment-resistant problems.

What Does the Research Say About ART?

ART is supported by growing empirical research. Some key studies include:

  • Kip et al. (2013): Demonstrated ART’s effectiveness for reducing PTSD, depression, and anxiety in military veterans. 🔗 Read the study

  • Waits et al. (2017): Found ART to be safe, fast, and effective in treating trauma-related conditions. 🔗 Read the review

  • Kip et al. (2016): Noted ART’s benefits for physical symptoms associated with PTSD. 🔗 Read more

These studies confirm what many clients already know—ART can offer rapid, profound, and lasting change.

How Does Virtual ART Work in Lakewood, NJ?

As a therapist licensed in New Jersey, I offer virtual Accelerated Resolution Therapy to Lakewood residents through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. You can attend sessions from the comfort of your home without worrying about commuting, traffic, or parking.

Virtual ART sessions provide the same powerful results as in-person sessions. All you need is:

  • A quiet, private space

  • A stable internet connection

  • A phone, tablet, or computer with a camera

What Happens in a Virtual ART Session?

Step 1: Identify the Problem

You and I will briefly discuss the issue or experience you want to target. This might be a specific memory, emotion, or physical sensation.

Step 2: Eye Movements

I’ll guide you through a series of lateral eye movements while you focus on the distressing image or feeling. This mimics the brain’s natural processing during REM sleep.

Step 3: Replace the Image

You’ll be guided to voluntarily replace the distressing image with a new, peaceful, or empowering one.

Step 4: Integrate and Close

We’ll process the experience to ensure the emotional charge is gone or significantly reduced. Most clients leave the session feeling relieved and grounded.

Who I Am: Laura Geftman, LCSW

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New York. I specialize in trauma-informed care and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I combine clinical rigor with compassionate, personalized care.

My goal is to help you heal—fast—and get back to living the life you deserve. My virtual practice makes it easy for Lakewood residents to access professional support.

Testimonials from Clients

"After just two ART sessions with Laura, I experienced more relief than I had in years of traditional therapy."— Virtual Client, NJ

"I didn’t think therapy could work online, but ART helped me feel better almost immediately. Laura was kind, focused, and effective." — Client in Ocean County

Benefits of ART Therapy for Lakewood Residents

  • Convenience: No need to travel or sit in traffic

  • Privacy: Attend sessions from a safe and familiar environment

  • Efficiency: ART often works in fewer sessions than traditional therapy

  • No Art Supplies Required: Despite the name, ART doesn’t involve drawing or painting

Is ART Covered by Insurance?

I do not accept insurance directly, but I provide superbills you can submit for reimbursement through out-of-network benefits. Many clients find ART’s speed and effectiveness worth the private pay investment.

Ready to Begin? Get Started with ART in Lakewood Today

You deserve relief from trauma, anxiety, and emotional pain. If you’re ready to start healing, I invite you to try Accelerated Resolution Therapy from the comfort of your home in Lakewood.

👉 Click here to get started today

You don’t have to carry this pain forever. Let’s work together to find the peace and freedom you’ve been searching for.

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