What Happens in Accelerated Resolution Therapy? A Step-by-Step Guide
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an innovative, evidence-based psychotherapy that has shown promise in treating various mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and grief. Unlike traditional therapies that may require months or years, ART typically achieves results in just 1 to 5 sessions, each lasting about 60 to 75 minutes .medRxiv
This article provides a comprehensive overview of what occurs during ART sessions, offering insights into the techniques and processes that facilitate rapid healing.
Understanding Accelerated Resolution Therapy
ART combines elements from several therapeutic approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and guided imagery. The therapy focuses on reprocessing distressing memories and replacing them with positive images, allowing individuals to retain the factual memory without the associated emotional pain .
The ART Session Structure
Initial Assessment and Goal Setting
The first session begins with the therapist gathering information about the client's history and identifying the specific issue or traumatic memory to address. This collaborative process ensures that the therapy is tailored to the individual's needs.
Relaxation and Orientation
The therapist guides the client through relaxation techniques to establish a sense of safety and calm. This may involve deep breathing exercises or mindfulness practices. The therapist then explains the ART process, emphasizing that the client remains in control throughout the session .
Visualization of the Traumatic Memory
The client is asked to visualize the traumatic event while simultaneously following the therapist's hand movements with their eyes. These horizontal eye movements are believed to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories by engaging both hemispheres of the brain .
Desensitization
As the client continues to visualize the traumatic memory, the therapist monitors their emotional and physical responses. The goal is to reduce the distress associated with the memory through repeated sets of eye movements, allowing the client to recall the event without experiencing overwhelming emotions.
Imagery Rescripting
Once the distress has diminished, the therapist guides the client in modifying the memory by replacing distressing images with positive ones. This process, known as imagery rescripting, helps alter the emotional impact of the memory while preserving the factual content .
Reinforcement and Closure
The therapist reinforces the new, positive imagery through additional sets of eye movements. The session concludes with a review of the progress made and a discussion of any remaining concerns. Clients often report a sense of relief and empowerment following the session. PubMed
Benefits of ART
Rapid Results: Many clients experience significant improvements within a few sessions.
Non-Invasive: ART does not require clients to discuss traumatic events in detail, which can be less distressing for some individuals.PMC
Versatile: ART has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and grief.
Empowering: Clients maintain control over the process, choosing how to modify their memories during rescripting.
Scientific Support for ART
Research indicates that ART can lead to significant reductions in symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. A systematic review found that ART shows promise as a time-efficient treatment for PTSD in adults, with significant reductions in symptoms observed across multiple studies .PLOS
Another study reported that ART led to substantial decreases in grief, PTSD, and depression symptoms among older adults after just four sessions .
Conclusion
Accelerated Resolution Therapy offers a structured, efficient approach to resolving traumatic memories and associated emotional distress. By combining eye movements, relaxation techniques, and imagery rescripting, ART enables individuals to process and reframe distressing experiences, often leading to rapid and lasting relief.
If you're seeking a therapy that provides quick results without the need to delve into detailed discussions of traumatic events, ART may be an appropriate option.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals should consult qualified healthcare professionals for personalized treatment recommendations.