If you've lived with trauma, anxiety, or a persistent fear and want an approach that is structured and relatively brief, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) may be worth asking about.
In short: Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a short-term, structured therapy that uses guided eye movements and imagery to help people process distressing memories and the reactions tied to them. I offer ART by secure telehealth to clients in Florida, Pennsylvania, and California.
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
ART is a brief, structured psychotherapy developed to help people work through painful memories and the strong emotional and physical reactions that come with them. During a session, you hold a specific memory or image in mind while following guided eye movements, and your therapist then helps you shift how that memory is represented in your mind, in a way that feels safe and that you control.
Many people are drawn to ART because it is built to be short-term and focused. It is one of several approaches I use, alongside cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, and psychodynamic work.
What does ART help with?
- Trauma and PTSD, including single-incident and longer-standing experiences
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression
- Phobias and specific fears
It isn't the right fit for every concern or every person. During the free consultation we'll talk about what you're dealing with and whether ART, another approach, or a combination makes the most sense.
What does an ART session look like?
- Getting oriented. We talk about your goals and what you want to change, and I explain exactly how the process works before we start.
- Choosing a focus. You identify the memory, image, or situation you want to work on. You decide how much to share out loud.
- Guided eye movements. While you hold the memory in mind, you follow a set of guided eye movements, with pauses to check in about what you notice.
- Reshaping the image. With my guidance, you replace or reshape the distressing imagery so it feels less overwhelming.
- Checking in. We review what changed, how you feel, and whether more work is needed.
Sessions take place over secure video, so you can attend from a private space at home.
How many sessions does ART take?
ART is designed to be brief. Every person is different, but some people notice meaningful change within a few sessions. Some concerns, especially long-standing or complex ones, may take longer, and some people need a combination of approaches. We'll review progress together as we go.
What does the research say?
Published studies, including work with veterans and military personnel, have reported reductions in symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety after ART. The research base is still smaller than for long-established treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR, and results vary from person to person. If you want to read the studies yourself, I'm glad to point you to them during a consultation.
Is ART right for me?
It might be if you're looking for a focused, structured approach and want to work on a specific memory, fear or pattern. It can be a poor fit during a crisis or when other needs come first, and a consultation is the best way to decide. If you're also weighing EMDR, see ART vs. EMDR: How Are They Different?
Frequently asked questions
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?
ART is a short-term, structured therapy that uses guided eye movements and imagery to help people process distressing memories and the reactions tied to them.
Do I have to describe my trauma in detail?
ART is designed so that you don't have to talk through every detail of a distressing memory out loud. I'll explain what's shared and what can stay private before we begin.
Is ART covered by insurance?
I accept Aetna employer (non-marketplace) plans in Florida, Pennsylvania, and California. For other plans I provide monthly superbills you can submit for possible reimbursement. See Insurance & Superbills for details.
Where do you offer ART?
By secure telehealth to clients located in Florida, Pennsylvania, and California.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.