Your Ultimate Accelerated Resolution Therapy Guide

May 11

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is gaining national attention for its unique ability to help people rapidly recover from trauma, anxiety, phobias, and other emotional pain—often in as few as one to five sessions. Unlike traditional talk therapy, ART uses techniques that access the brain’s natural capacity to heal through imagery and eye movements, without requiring you to relive every painful detail.

This Ultimate Guide to Accelerated Resolution Therapy will take you through:

What ART is and how it’s different
Who it helps
What an ART session looks like
Key benefits and possible side effects
Step-by-step overview of the ART process
Evidence-based research and links
Tips for finding an ART therapist near you

What Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a short-term, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people quickly resolve distressing emotional and physical reactions tied to past experiences. It was developed in 2008 by Laney Rosenzweig, LMFT, and integrates aspects of:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Gestalt techniques
Guided imagery

Unlike traditional therapies that require years of verbal processing, ART aims to resolve symptoms of trauma and emotional pain at the core level—often in just a handful of sessions.

✅ ART is used for:

PTSD and complex trauma
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression
Grief and loss
Addiction triggers
OCD
Phobias
Performance anxiety

ART uses a combination of voluntary memory visualization, bilateral eye movements, and image rescripting to help the brain “reconsolidate” painful memories and emotional associations.

What Makes ART Different from Other Trauma Therapies?

ART stands out from other modalities in several ways:

Fast Results: Most clients see significant relief within 1–5 sessions.
Minimal Verbal Disclosure: You don’t have to talk through the details of the trauma.
Imagery-Focused: The process works on how memories are stored visually and physically in the body.
Body-Based Regulation: Eye movements and body scanning help release tension and trauma held in the nervous system.

What Happens During an Accelerated Resolution Therapy Session?

If you’re wondering what an accelerated resolution therapy session is like, here’s what to expect:

Identify the Target Memory: You choose a painful memory or issue to focus on—something that continues to trigger emotional distress.
Eye Movements for Relaxation: Your therapist will guide your eyes side to side with a hand motion to help activate your parasympathetic nervous system and reduce emotional intensity.
Imagery Recall: You silently recall the traumatic event in detail while engaging in eye movements. You do not have to share the memory aloud.
Voluntary Image Replacement (VIR): You change distressing images in your mind to more positive, peaceful, or symbolic ones—your brain now “stores” the updated version of the memory.
Body Sensation Checks: You’re guided to notice physical sensations and release any residual tension or discomfort.
Reassessment and Closure: The therapist ensures the emotional charge is gone, and helps you ground before leaving the session.

Most clients report a sense of lightness or calm by the end of an ART session.

Step-by-Step: How ART Works

The ART protocol is a clearly structured sequence designed for safety and efficiency. Below is an overview of the ART therapy steps:

Preparation & Grounding: Therapist helps you feel safe and prepares you for memory work.
Target Identification: Choose one specific incident to work on (e.g., a traumatic event or troubling thought).
Imaginal Exposure: You mentally review the memory while doing eye movements.
Sensory Reprocessing: You are guided to notice where and how your body stores stress or discomfort related to the event.
Voluntary Image Replacement (VIR): You “overwrite” distressing imagery with neutral or healing imagery.
Integration & Reflection: The therapist checks your emotional and physical state, ensuring you leave the session feeling stable.

Each session typically lasts between 60 to 75 minutes.

Who Can Benefit from ART?

ART is especially effective for people who:

Have experienced trauma or abuse
Struggle with flashbacks, nightmares, or panic attacks
Want to heal without reliving trauma verbally
Have not responded to traditional talk therapy
Prefer structured, time-limited treatment

It’s also ideal for first responders, veterans, and survivors of childhood trauma, particularly those with complex PTSD.

Benefits of Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Let’s look at the key benefits of ART therapy:

✅ 1. Fast and Efficient

Many clients feel emotional relief in just a few sessions, making ART ideal for people who want results quickly.

✅ 2. Doesn’t Require Verbal Processing

Clients don’t have to explain the trauma out loud, which can reduce re-traumatization.

✅ 3. Integrates Mind and Body

ART addresses both the emotional and physical symptoms of trauma, offering a more holistic approach.

✅ 4. Empowering

You’re in control of the imagery and pacing. The therapy helps you shift from victim to empowered survivor.

✅ 5. Lasting Change

Because ART changes how the brain stores memories, the changes tend to be long-lasting.

Potential Side Effects of ART

While ART is generally safe, some people may experience temporary discomfort. Possible side effects of Accelerated Resolution Therapy include:

Emotional discomfort or fatigue after sessions
Vivid dreams or flashbacks (short-lived)
Feeling “off” or disoriented for a few hours post-session
Surfacing of additional traumatic memories (common in complex trauma)

These side effects are usually mild and resolve within 24–48 hours.

What Does the Research Say About ART?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy has been the subject of growing academic interest and clinical trials.

✅ Key Research Highlights:

Kip et al. (2013): ART significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in a sample of military personnel and veterans.
Read full study
Kip et al. (2016): Longitudinal study showed ART’s efficacy for treating both PTSD and depression.
View article
D’Andrea et al. (2013): Found ART effective in reducing trauma symptoms in civilians and survivors of sexual abuse.
Link to research

ART is officially recognized as an evidence-based therapy by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

How to Find an ART Therapist Near You

If you’re ready to try ART, you can search certified practitioners via the ART International Training & Research directory:
👉 Find an ART Therapist

When searching for “accelerated resolution therapy near me,” make sure your provider is ART-trained and certified, as the method requires specific skill and technique.

Tips Before Starting ART Therapy

Choose a specific memory to work on first—start with something manageable.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions—a good therapist will walk you through every step.
Set realistic expectations—some issues resolve quickly, others may take multiple sessions.
Take care of yourself after sessions: hydrate, rest, and journal your experience.

In Summary: Is ART Right for You?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy offers a fast, effective, and gentle path toward healing from emotional trauma. It combines cutting-edge neuroscience with proven therapeutic techniques to help you feel better—often in less time than you’d expect.

With a growing body of research and a long list of success stories, ART is quickly becoming a go-to option for individuals seeking transformation without years of therapy.

Whether you’re managing PTSD, complicated grief, or anxiety, ART could be your next step toward lasting relief.