Accelerated Resolution Therapy is a new generation, cutting-edge eye movement therapy that has been proven effective for trauma & PTSD, depression, anxiety, phobias, grief & loss, and many other concerns. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.) was developed by Laney Rosenzweig, LMFT, in 2008 as she sought a brief and effective treatment. Laney Rosenzweig was initially trained in EMDR. She improved upon EMDR Therapy and created her own version of so-called Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
How Does A.R.T Work?
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could erase bad experiences? With Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.), it is actually possible. Based on the gentle back-and-forth eye movements, A.R.T. helps to erase negative events, feelings, images, and body sensations and replace those with positive equivalents. You will always remember what happened, but the emotional charge will disappear. A hallmark of ART is the creative use of metaphors and visualization, which expedites the healing process.
Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy Evidence-Based?
Several scientific research studies have been conducted by the University of South Florida with positive results. In 2015 A.R.T. was officially recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as an effective evidence-based psychotherapy for Trauma & PTSD, depression, stress, and personal resilience. And a promising therapy for symptoms of phobia, panic, anxiety, sleep and wake disorders, disruptive and antisocial behaviors, general functioning, and well-being.
How Does A.R.T Compare to EMDR?
A.R.T. is less verbal and more visual than EMDR. Unlike EMDR, clients do not have to share any detail about their trauma to benefit. EMDR Therapy is mostly concerned with trauma desensitization and replacing negative beliefs. However, A.R.T. takes this process a few steps beyond desensitization, including trauma event re-scripting, image replacement, and metaphorical interventions. The negative beliefs are naturally transformed via the A.R.T. process.
What Condition Have You Treated with A.R.T?
I have successfully used A.R.T. with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, co-dependency, substance abuse, self-harm, sleep difficulties, and many other concerns. In addition, A.R.T. can help develop skills such as assertiveness, communication, problem-solving, increasing motivation, and so forth.
How Long is the Treatment?
The treatment length is difficult to predict. However, studies show that A.R.T. is quick acting and can take between 1 to 5 sessions per issue or problem area to be resolved. Clients who have extensive trauma and grief & loss history may take longer.
Ina Lasmane, MA, LMFT, is a Master Certified Accelerated Resolution Therapist. She has completed advanced, enhanced, and basic training in A.R.T.