Treating Trauma: Accelerated Resolution Therapy
- Kimberly Mahr
- Aug 10
- 4 min read
When dealing with emotional wounds and traumatic experiences, finding effective therapy options is crucial. Trauma recovery therapy offers various approaches to help individuals heal and regain control over their lives. One innovative method gaining attention is Accelerated Resolution Therapy. This blog post explores what you need to know about this therapy, how it works, and what makes it different from traditional treatments.
Understanding Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy is designed to help people process and overcome the effects of traumatic events. These events can range from accidents, abuse, loss, or any experience that leaves a lasting emotional impact. The goal of trauma recovery therapy is to reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and nightmares, allowing individuals to live healthier, more balanced lives.
There are several types of trauma recovery therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Deep Brain Reorienting, Brainspotting, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other somatic approaches. Each method has its unique approach, but all focus on helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge.
Key Benefits of Trauma Therapy
Improved emotional regulation: Helps manage intense feelings triggered by trauma.
Reduced symptoms: Decreases anxiety, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and other PTSD symptoms.
Enhanced coping skills: Builds resilience and strategies for future stress.
Better relationships: Supports healthier interactions with others.
Increased self-awareness: Encourages understanding of personal triggers and responses.
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
Accelerated resolution therapy (ART) is a relatively new form of trauma recovery therapy that combines elements of traditional psychotherapy with eye movement techniques. It is designed to be a fast and effective treatment, often requiring fewer sessions than other therapies.
ART uses guided eye movements to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. During a session, the therapist asks the client to recall distressing images while simultaneously following the therapist’s hand movements with their eyes. This process helps the brain "rewrite" the way it stores these memories, reducing their emotional intensity.
How ART Differs from Other Therapies
Speed: ART typically requires fewer sessions, sometimes as few as 1-5.
Non-invasive: No medication or hypnosis is involved.
Client control: The client remains fully aware and in control throughout the process.
Focus on imagery: ART targets the visual and emotional components of trauma memories.
How Accelerated Resolution Therapy Works in Practice
During an ART session, the therapist will first help the client identify specific traumatic memories or distressing images. The client is then asked to focus on these images while following the therapist’s hand movements with their eyes. This bilateral stimulation is believed to help the brain process and integrate memories differently.
The therapist may also guide the client through visualization exercises, encouraging them to replace negative images with positive or neutral ones. This technique helps "reprogram" the brain’s response to trauma, making the memories less triggering.
What to Expect in an ART Session
Assessment: The therapist evaluates the client’s history and trauma symptoms.
Memory identification: Specific distressing images or memories are selected.
Eye movement exercises: The client follows hand movements while recalling memories.
Image rescripting: Negative images are replaced with positive ones.
Review and closure: The therapist checks in on the client’s emotional state and progress.
Many clients report feeling relief after just a few sessions, with significant reductions in anxiety and intrusive thoughts.
Who Can Benefit from Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
ART is suitable for a wide range of individuals experiencing trauma-related symptoms. It has been used successfully with:
Veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD
Survivors of abuse or assault
People coping with grief and loss
Individuals with phobias or anxiety disorders
Those struggling with depression linked to traumatic events
Because ART is brief and non-invasive, it can be an excellent option for people who want quick results or have not responded well to other therapies.
Practical Tips for Choosing ART
Find a certified ART therapist: Proper training is essential for effective treatment.
Discuss your goals: Be clear about what you want to achieve.
Be open to the process: Willingness to engage fully improves outcomes.
Consider your comfort level: ART requires active participation and memory recall.
Check for insurance coverage: Some plans may cover ART sessions.
Integrating ART with Other Trauma Recovery Strategies
While ART can be powerful on its own, combining it with other trauma recovery therapies can enhance healing. For example, pairing ART with mindfulness practices or cognitive-behavioral therapy can provide additional tools for managing stress and emotions.
Self-Care Recommendations Post-ART
Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular movement and good nutrition.
Keep a journal to track progress and emotional changes.
Seek support from friends, family, or support groups.
Schedule follow-up sessions if needed to reinforce gains.
By integrating ART into a broader trauma recovery plan, individuals can build resilience and maintain long-term emotional health.
Exploring trauma recovery therapy options can be overwhelming, but understanding innovative treatments like Accelerated Resolution Therapy offers hope for faster and more effective healing. If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma, consider consulting a qualified therapist to discuss whether ART might be the right fit. Taking the first step toward recovery can open the door to a brighter, more peaceful future.
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