Evidence-based • SAMHSA recognized • A structured approach to trauma recovery
Reviewed by Lauren Vilar, LCSW, LCAS — trauma and addiction therapist with 12+ years of clinical experience
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to help people process distressing memories and experiences. It combines elements of traditional talk therapy with guided eye movements and imagery techniques that help the brain reorganize how traumatic memories are stored.
During an ART session, clients focus briefly on a troubling memory while following a therapist’s guided eye movements. This process helps the brain reprocess the experience in a way that reduces emotional intensity while preserving the factual memory.
Many people find that ART helps them experience meaningful relief in fewer sessions than some traditional approaches, while still benefiting from the supportive relationship with a trained therapist.
How ART differs from some traditional approaches
If you’ve been in therapy for months or years and still feel stuck with trauma symptoms, it may be helpful to explore a different therapeutic approach.
Traditional talk therapy often includes:
- Talking through difficult experiences and emotions
- Exploring patterns connected to past events
- Gradually building insight and coping strategies
- Processing memories through discussion and reflection
- Progress that unfolds over time
ART Offers A Different Path
- A structured, focused approach to trauma processing
- Guided eye movements during memory recall
- Reduced need to describe every detail of a traumatic experience
- Sessions that focus on how memories are stored in the brain
- A process tailored to each client’s pace and comfort level
How ART Works
During an ART session, your therapist guides you through a structured process designed to help the brain reprocess distressing memories.
This process may include:
- Briefly identifying a troubling memory
- Following guided eye movements from your therapist
- Using imagery techniques to change how the memory is experienced
- Allowing the brain to store the memory in a less distressing way
Many clients report meaningful improvement after only a few sessions, though the number of sessions varies from person to person.
Why Eye Movements Are Used
Guided eye movements appear to activate the brain’s natural information-processing systems. These systems help the brain organize and integrate memories.
When distressing experiences are not fully processed, they can remain emotionally charged and easily triggered. Eye movement techniques may help the brain store these memories in a way that feels less overwhelming and more manageable.
Why choose Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
ART is an evidence-based therapy that uses guided eye movements and image rescripting to reprogram how traumatic memories are stored in your brain.
Remarkably Fast
Many people experience noticeable relief in a relatively small number of sessions, though each person’s healing process is unique.
Privacy Protected
You don’t have to share traumatic details out loud. Process and heal from painful memories without having to describe them to your therapist.
You Stay in Control
You choose which memories to process and how to transform them. Your therapist guides the process while you direct the healing.
Backed by Science
Recognized by SAMHSA as evidence-based. Research shows ART effectively treats PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, and more.
Lasting Results
Changes persist long after treatment ends. Follow-up studies show symptom relief remains months and years later.
Gentle Process
No homework required. Sessions are calming and often end with clients feeling joyful about their progress.
How ART Compares to Other Trauma Therapies
ART is one of several effective trauma therapies. Different approaches work best for different people, and many therapists integrate multiple methods depending on a client’s needs.
Average Sessions: ART 3-4 sessions | Traditional Therapy 12-52+ sessions
Verbal Description Required: ART No | Traditional Therapy Yes
Client Control: ART Complete | Traditional Therapy Limited
Homework Required: ART No | Traditional Therapy Often yes
Evidence-Based: ART Yes | Traditional Therapy Varies
What ART Can Help With
ART is effective for a wide range of trauma-related conditions and mental health concerns.
- PTSD & Complex Trauma
- Anxiety & Panic Attacks
- Depression
- Grief & Loss
- Phobias
- Substance Abuse
- Childhood Trauma
- Sexual Abuse
- Combat Trauma
- Performance Anxiety
- OCD
- Chronic Pain
ART May Be a Good Fit If You
• Feel stuck in distressing memories or past experiences
• Prefer a structured approach to trauma treatment
• Find it difficult to talk in detail about traumatic events
• Have tried other therapy approaches without the relief you hoped for
• Want to explore a therapy that focuses on how the brain processes memories
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ART different from EMDR?
While both use eye movements to process trauma, ART is typically faster, more directive, and uses voluntary image replacement. Many clients who’ve tried both report ART feels gentler and achieves results more quickly.
Do I really not have to talk about my trauma?
Correct. While you’ll need to think about the memory during treatment, you don’t have to verbally describe the details to your therapist. This makes ART particularly helpful for people who find it difficult or retraumatizing to talk about their experiences.
How many sessions will I need?
Most clients experience significant relief in 1-5 sessions, with an average of 3-4 sessions. The exact number depends on the complexity of your trauma and your individual response to treatment.
Is ART scientifically proven?
Yes. ART is recognized by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) as an evidence-based treatment. Multiple peer-reviewed studies show its effectiveness for PTSD, trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Will the results last?
Research shows that symptom relief from ART persists long-term. Follow-up studies demonstrate that improvements remain stable months and even years after treatment ends.
Is ART covered by insurance?
ART sessions are typically billed as psychotherapy and are covered by most insurance plans. We’re in-network with BCBS, UHC, Cigna, and Aetna. Contact us to verify your specific coverage.
Can I do ART online?
Yes! ART is highly effective via secure telehealth. We offer online sessions to clients throughout North Carolina, making it convenient to access treatment from home.
Ready to Experience Rapid Relief?
Reviewed by Lauren Vilar, LCSW, LCAS
Lauren is the founder of LMV Counseling and Go Inward. Her advanced training includes ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and MDMA-assisted therapy through MAPS, Fluence, and Polaris Insight Center.