“In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.”
—Abraham Maslow
What Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals process distressing memories and emotional experiences in a safe and structured way.
ART uses a combination of guided eye movements and imagery techniques to help the brain reprocess difficult memories so they no longer trigger the same emotional or physical reactions. While the memory itself remains, the distress associated with it is significantly reduced.
How ART Works
You remain fully awake and in control throughout the session
The therapist guides gentle eye movements while you recall specific experiences
The brain is supported in processing and “resolving” the emotional response
Distressing images and sensations are replaced with more neutral or positive ones
What ART Can Help With
ART is commonly used to treat:
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety and panic
Grief and loss
Phobias
Stress-related symptoms
What Makes ART Different
ART does not require detailed verbal retelling of traumatic events, making it a good option for clients who find traditional talk therapy difficult when discussing painful experiences.
Many clients experience relief in fewer sessions compared to traditional approaches, though treatment length varies by individual.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
“Keep the knowledge, lose the pain”
ART FAQ’s
What is ART?
Kristin Wylie LPC-S, IHP is trained and certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy, often referred to as ART, is a form of psychotherapy with roots in existing evidence-based therapies but shown to achieve benefits much more rapidly (usually within 1-5 sessions).
Clients suffering from trauma and other mental health problems such as Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, Panic Attacks, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Addictions/ Substance Abuse , Performance Anxiety, Family Issues, Victimization/Poor Self Image, Victimization/Sexual Abuse, Relationship Issues/Infidelity, Codependency, Grief, Job Related Stress, Pain Management, Memory Enhancement and many other mental and physical conditions can experience remarkable benefits starting in the first session.
What can I expect during an ART session?
The client is always in control of the entire ART session, with the therapist guiding the process. Although some traumatic experiences such as rape, combat experiences, or loss of a loved one can be very painful to think about or visualize, the therapy rapidly moves clients beyond the place where they are stuck in these experiences toward growth and positive changes. The process is very straightforward, using relaxing eye movements and a technique called Voluntary Memory/Image Replacement to change the way in which the negative images are stored in the brain. The treatment is grounded in well-established psychotherapy techniques, and the end result is that traumas and difficult life experiences will no longer trigger strong emotions or physical reactions. Importantly, clients do not even have to talk about their traumas or difficult life experiences with the therapist to achieve recovery.
What is voluntary image replacement?
ART’s powerful technique of Voluntary Memory/Image Replacement (VMR/VIR) is used when clients are very clear about wanting to get rid of traumatic images and they come to a session prepared to process out the old images and restore mental health by replacing it with a more positive image. Although they know that the new image is not the actual memory, it feels like a new start for them. The memory story remains while the images from the trauma are erased or replaced. Once this happens, the Trigger Origin (T.O.) is removed and the client’s affect changes – often in an instant. Clients have spoken of their old images becoming “like a distant dream.” Even if the old scene does not fade completely, the new scene will firmly attach itself to it so that the clients move on easily to see the new scene they have chosen.
Is ART right for me?
ART can help with a large number of issues. Whether you are greiving the loss of a loved one, have been through a traumatic event, or are simply struggling with your day-to-day functioning, we can help. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.