Accelerated Resolution Therapy: A Comprehensive Evidence-Based Guide
Are you struggling with trauma, anxiety, or other challenging emotional experiences? Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) might be the solution you've been looking for. This innovative mental health intervention is transforming lives through its unique and efficient treatment protocols.
Key Highlights of Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Efficiency: Experience meaningful results in significantly fewer sessions than traditional therapy methods
Innovative Techniques: Combines guided eye movements with memory reconsolidation for powerful healing
Non-Verbal Processing: Process traumatic memories without having to verbalize painful details
Evidence-Based Treatment: Supported by growing clinical research and randomized controlled trials demonstrating effectiveness for various conditions
Personalized Treatment: Tailored to your unique needs and experiences
At Audrey Schoen, LMFT in Roseville, CA, we offer specialized Accelerated Resolution Therapy services delivered by a Certified Master ART Practitioner. With over a decade of experience in mental health, Audrey provides compassionate, personalized care designed to help you find lasting relief from emotional pain.
Understanding Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy represents a breakthrough in psychotherapy, particularly for individuals dealing with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and distressing memories. Developed in 2008 by founder Laney Rosenzweig, ART combines elements of several evidence-based approaches, including aspects of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy.
What makes resolution therapy distinctive is its unique integration of eye movements, visualization techniques, and memory reconsolidation to help individuals process and transform difficult memories. Through this approach, ART helps reprogram how distressing memories and images are stored in the brain, reducing their emotional impact while preserving the factual content.
The Science Behind ART's Effectiveness
The effectiveness of Accelerated Resolution Therapy lies in its neurobiological foundations. When we experience trauma, our brains can become "stuck" in processing these memories, leading to ongoing distress and symptoms. ART works with the brain's natural mechanisms to help complete this processing.
During an ART session, bilateral eye movements similar to those that occur during REM sleep are utilized to help the brain process information more efficiently. This facilitates:
Memory reconsolidation: Allowing traumatic memories to be updated with new, less distressing information
Reduced emotional reactivity: Diminishing the intensity of emotions associated with difficult memories
Integration of experiences: Helping the brain process and store memories in a healthier way
Research suggests that these processes lead to rapid reduction in symptoms, often within just one ART session. This makes accelerated resolution therapy particularly valuable for individuals seeking efficient therapy and effective relief from emotional and physical reactions to past trauma.
The ART Therapeutic Process
When you engage in Accelerated Resolution Therapy with a trained therapist like Audrey Schoen, LMFT, you'll experience a structured yet flexible therapeutic approach designed to produce rapid results. Here's what to expect during the ART process:
Initial Assessment and Preparation
Your therapeutic journey begins with a comprehensive assessment of your needs, concerns, and goals. During this phase, your ART therapist will:
Gather relevant information about your history and current challenges
Explain the accelerated resolution therapy process in detail
Answer any questions you may have
Establish a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship
Help you identify specific traumatic events or issues to address
This preparation phase ensures that resolution therapy is appropriate for your unique situation and that you feel comfortable and informed before proceeding with the brief treatment.
Core ART Session Components
Each Accelerated Resolution Therapy session incorporates several key techniques that work together to facilitate healing:
1. Eye Movements
During sessions, you'll follow your therapist's hand as it moves horizontally across your field of vision. These smooth pursuit eye movements are believed to:
Activate both hemispheres of the brain
Facilitate information processing
Reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories
Create a relaxation response
Unlike some other therapies, you don't need to share the details of your traumatic experiences verbally if you don't wish to do so. This non-verbal processing aspect makes ART accessible to individuals who find it difficult to talk about their psychological trauma.
2. Visualization Techniques
Visualization plays a central role in ART:
You'll be guided to bring up an image associated with a distressing memory
While maintaining this image, you'll engage in the guided eye movements
As you process the memory, the image often naturally transforms
Your therapist will help you replace negative images with positive ones
This visualization process allows you to observe your traumatic memories from a distance, reducing their emotional impact while maintaining factual recall.
3. Memory Rescripting
A powerful component of Accelerated Resolution Therapy is the ability to "rescript" memories:
After processing the distressing aspects of a memory, you'll have the opportunity to imagine a preferred way of viewing the experience
This rescripting doesn't change what happened, but it can transform how you feel about it
The new, positive imagery becomes associated with the memory, reducing its ability to trigger strong physical and emotional responses
Through this rescripting process, many clients make astonishing life changes often after just a few sessions.
Session Flow and Progression
A typical ART session lasts approximately 60-75 minutes and follows a structured protocol:
Brief check-in and identification of the target memory or issue
Processing the memory using eye movements and visualization
Rescripting the memory with positive imagery
Integration and closure
Most clients require between 1-5 treatment sessions to address a specific traumatic memory or issue, though this can vary based on individual needs and the complexity of the concerns being addressed.
Evidence Supporting ART's Effectiveness
Accelerated Resolution Therapy has a growing body of research supporting its effectiveness for various mental health conditions. Multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated ART's value as an evidence-based treatment, particularly for trauma-related conditions.
Research Findings
Studies have documented ART's effectiveness, particularly for post traumatic stress:
Research with military service members and veterans has shown significant reductions in symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder, with improvements maintained at follow-up assessments
Studies indicate high completion rates (94% in one military study), suggesting that clients find the treatment accessible and tolerable
Clinical trials have demonstrated that Accelerated Resolution Therapy is proven effective in treating conditions beyond PTSD, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, and phobias
This research foundation continues to expand, with ongoing studies exploring ART's applications for various populations and conditions, including chronic refractory neuropathic pain.
Recognition as an Evidence-Based Approach
ART has gained recognition from respected mental health organizations:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized ART as an evidence-based therapy for treating PTSD and other mental health conditions
ART is increasingly being adopted by mental health professionals in various clinical settings, from private practice to specialized trauma treatment centers
As clinical neuroscience research continues, ART's status as an evidence-based intervention continues to strengthen, providing confidence in its therapeutic value.
Conditions Treated with ART
Accelerated Resolution Therapy has been shown to be effective for a wide range of mental health concerns and emotional challenges. At Audrey Schoen, LMFT, we utilize ART to address:
Trauma and PTSD
Accelerated Resolution Therapy was initially developed to address trauma, and it excels in this area:
Processing single-incident traumas (accidents, assaults, natural disasters)
Addressing complex trauma from childhood abuse or repeated experiences
Reducing intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and traumatic images
Diminishing trauma-related hypervigilance and avoidance behaviors
Many clients report that memories that once triggered intense distress no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions after ART treatment.
Anxiety and Stress-Related Concerns
ART can be remarkably effective for various anxiety-related challenges:
Generalized anxiety and persistent worry
Specific phobias and fears
Panic attacks and anxiety-related physical reactions
Performance anxiety and social anxiety
Self-criticism and perfectionism
By addressing both the cognitive and emotional components of anxiety, resolution therapy helps create lasting relief from these challenging conditions.
Depression and Mood Disorders
Depression often involves negative thought patterns and emotional responses that Accelerated Resolution Therapy can help transform:
Processing memories that contribute to depressive symptoms
Challenging negative self-perceptions and beliefs
Reducing rumination and persistent negative thinking
Enhancing capacity for positive emotions and experiences
Many clients experience significant mood improvements after just one ART session.
Additional Applications
ART's versatility extends to numerous other concerns:
Grief and loss
Relationship challenges and attachment issues
Self-esteem and identity concerns
People-pleasing tendencies
Reactivity in relationships
Money anxiety and financial avoidance behaviors
Substance abuse issues
Impostor syndrome and professional confidence
The flexibility of Accelerated Resolution Therapy allows it to be adapted to address these and many other emotional and psychological challenges.
Benefits of Choosing ART for Your Healing Journey
Accelerated Resolution Therapy offers several distinct advantages that make it an appealing treatment option for many individuals:
Rapid Results
One of the most significant benefits of ART is the speed with which many clients experience relief:
Many report noticeable improvements after just one ART session
Most concerns can be effectively addressed in 1-5 sessions
The structured protocol facilitates efficient processing and rapid recovery
This efficiency makes Accelerated Resolution Therapy accessible for busy individuals who may struggle to commit to longer-term therapeutic approaches.
Gentler Processing
Despite its effectiveness, ART is designed to minimize distress during the healing process:
You don't need to verbalize traumatic details if you prefer not to
The eye movements create a relaxation response that helps reduce emotional intensity
The structured protocol provides a sense of safety and containment
You maintain control throughout the process
These features make ART accessible even to individuals who have found other therapies too overwhelming.
Long-Lasting Changes
The changes achieved through Accelerated Resolution Therapy tend to be durable:
Follow-up studies show maintenance of improvements months after treatment
The memory reconsolidation process creates neurobiological changes
New perspectives and insights gained through ART become integrated into daily life
Rather than simply managing symptoms, resolution therapy aims to resolve the underlying issues causing distress, creating lasting transformation.
Complementary to Other Approaches
ART works well both as a standalone treatment and in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches:
It can be integrated with traditional talk therapy
ART complements mindfulness and body-based approaches
It works well alongside lifestyle interventions for mental health
This versatility allows for a truly personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs and preferences.
What to Expect in Your ART Journey with Audrey Schoen, LMFT
When you choose to work with Audrey Schoen, family therapist and Certified Master ART Practitioner with extensive experience in trauma healing, you're embarking on a transformative journey.
The Initial Consultation
Your therapeutic relationship begins with a comprehensive initial consultation:
Discussing your current challenges and goals
Reviewing relevant history and previous therapeutic experiences
Determining if Accelerated Resolution Therapy is appropriate for your specific needs
Addressing any questions or concerns you may have
Creating a preliminary treatment plan
This consultation establishes the foundation for effective therapy tailored to your unique situation.
Personalized Treatment Approach
As a Master ART Practitioner with complete ART training, Audrey brings advanced expertise to your treatment:
Customizing the ART protocol to address your specific concerns
Integrating complementary approaches when beneficial
Adapting techniques based on your responses and preferences
Providing additional resources and support as needed
This personalized approach ensures that your therapy experience is as effective and comfortable as possible.
Ongoing Support and Integration
Healing doesn't end when the session concludes:
Guidance for integrating insights between sessions
Strategies for managing any challenges that arise
Celebration of progress and positive changes
Thoughtful planning for maintaining gains after treatment concludes
Throughout your ART journey, you'll receive compassionate support designed to empower your healing process.
ART for Specific Populations
At Audrey Schoen, LMFT, we recognize that different groups may have unique needs when it comes to therapy. Our ART services are tailored to address the specific concerns of various populations:
Individuals Who Have Experienced Trauma
For those who have experienced trauma, Accelerated Resolution Therapy offers a pathway to healing that minimizes the need to repeatedly recount painful experiences:
Processing traumatic memories without detailed verbal descriptions
Reducing triggering and reactivity in daily life
Transforming nightmare content and sleep disturbances
Building resilience and post-traumatic growth
Our trauma-informed approach ensures safety and respect throughout the healing process.
Couples Seeking Relationship Healing
ART can be a powerful component of couples therapy:
Addressing individual trauma that impacts the relationship
Processing painful relationship experiences
Transforming reactive patterns between partners
Building capacity for emotional intimacy
By addressing both individual and relational aspects, ART helps create the foundation for healthier connections.
Entrepreneurs and Professionals
The unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs and professionals can be effectively addressed through Accelerated Resolution Therapy:
Resolving performance anxiety and impostor syndrome
Processing business-related setbacks and disappointments
Addressing money anxiety and financial concerns
Enhancing confidence and leadership presence
These focused applications help high-achieving individuals overcome internal blocks to success.
Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Spouses
The partners of law enforcement officers face unique stressors that ART can help address:
Processing vicarious trauma and worry
Managing the emotional impact of shift work and schedule disruptions
Addressing relationship challenges unique to law enforcement families
Building resilience and coping strategies
Our specialized approach recognizes and respects the unique experiences of this population.
Integrating ART with Other Therapeutic Approaches
At Audrey Schoen, LMFT, we believe in utilizing the most effective therapeutic tools for each individual's unique needs. While ART is powerful on its own, we often integrate it with other evidence-based programs for comprehensive care:
Brainspotting
Brainspotting, like Accelerated Resolution Therapy, utilizes the visual field to access and process traumatic memories:
Can be used alongside ART for complex or layered trauma
Provides an alternative approach when appropriate
Offers complementary benefits through different neurobiological mechanisms
This integration allows for flexible and responsive treatment tailored to your specific needs.
Intensives and Retreats
For those seeking accelerated healing in a concentrated format:
ART can be incorporated into intensive therapy sessions
Therapeutic retreats provide immersive healing experiences
Extended sessions allow for deeper processing of complex issues
These options provide alternatives to traditional weekly therapy for those with time constraints or who prefer a more concentrated approach.
Financial Therapy
For clients dealing with money-related stress and patterns:
ART can address emotional blockages related to financial concerns
Processing early money messages and experiences
Transforming money anxiety and avoidance patterns
This specialized integration helps create healthier relationships with finances and prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy Evidence-Based?
Yes, ART is an evidence-based treatment with growing research support. Multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated ART's effectiveness for conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognizes Accelerated Resolution Therapy as an evidence-based therapy for treating PTSD and related conditions, further validating its clinical value.
Research continues to expand our understanding of ART's applications and mechanisms, strengthening its foundation as an evidence-based intervention.
How Many ART Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions varies based on individual needs and the complexity of the concerns being addressed. However, ART is designed to be a brief treatment approach:
Many clients experience significant relief after just one ART session
More complex issues may require 4-5 sessions
Some individuals benefit from periodic "booster" sessions after completing the initial treatment
During your consultation, we'll discuss your specific situation and provide a clearer estimate of the expected treatment duration.
Is ART Similar to EMDR?
While ART and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) share some similarities, they are distinct approaches:
Both utilize bilateral eye movements to facilitate processing
ART tends to be more directive and structured
ART incorporates unique visualization and rescripting techniques
ART typically requires fewer sessions than traditional therapies
These differences allow Accelerated Resolution Therapy to achieve rapid results while maintaining a gentle approach to trauma processing.
Will I Need to Talk About My Trauma in Detail?
One of the significant advantages of ART is that you don't need to verbally recount traumatic experiences in detail:
You can process memories without describing them aloud
Your ART trained therapist guides the process through general directions
The focus is on internal processing rather than verbal expression
You maintain control over what you choose to share
This aspect makes ART accessible to individuals who find it difficult or retraumatizing to verbalize their experiences.
How Will I Feel After an ART Session?
Responses to ART sessions vary among individuals, but common experiences include:
A sense of lightness or relief
Emotional fatigue (similar to after intense physical exercise)
Clarity and new insights
Reduced emotional reactivity to previously triggering topics
Most clients report that any temporary fatigue resolves quickly, followed by increasingly positive shifts in mood and perception.
Is ART Appropriate for Everyone?
While Accelerated Resolution Therapy is effective for many individuals, certain factors may influence its appropriateness:
Active psychosis or severe dissociative disorders may require stabilization before pursuing ART
Ability to follow a moving object with the eyes is necessary
Willingness to engage with internal experiences is important
Some medical conditions may require modifications to the protocol
During your consultation, we'll carefully assess whether ART is the right approach for your specific situation and discuss alternatives if needed.
Taking the Next Step in Your Healing Journey
If you're ready to experience the transformative potential of Accelerated Resolution Therapy with Audrey Schoen, LMFT, we invite you to take the next step in your healing journey.
Serving Clients Throughout California and Texas
We offer flexible options to meet your needs:
In-person sessions in our Roseville, CA office
Online therapy available throughout California and Texas
Whether you prefer the comfort of virtual sessions or the personal connection of in-office visits, we're here to support your healing process.
Areas of Specialized Support
Our therapeutic approach is particularly effective for addressing:
Trauma and painful experiences
Perfectionism and self-criticism
Anxiety and stress
People-pleasing tendencies
Unhelpful relationship patterns
Emotional reactivity
Money anxiety and financial avoidance
Impostor syndrome and self-doubt
With ART as a core component of our therapeutic toolkit, we offer efficient and effective treatment for these and many other concerns.
Connect With Us
Ready to learn more about how resolution therapy can help clients make astonishing life changes often in just a few sessions? We invite you to reach out for more information about our services, approach, and availability.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss how ART might benefit your unique situation. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care designed to help you achieve lasting healing and growth.
Embark on your journey toward emotional freedom and resilience with Audrey Schoen, LMFT, and experience the transformative power of Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
Conclusion: The Transformative Potential of ART
Accelerated Resolution Therapy represents a significant advancement in the field of psychotherapy, offering a powerful approach to healing that combines efficiency with effectiveness. Through its unique integration of eye movements, visualization, and memory reconsolidation, ART provides a pathway to freedom from the emotional impact of difficult experiences.
At Audrey Schoen, LMFT, we're committed to providing the highest quality ART services, delivered with compassion, expertise, and a personalized approach. As a Certified Master ART Practitioner, Audrey brings advanced training and extensive experience to each therapeutic relationship, ensuring that clients receive optimal support throughout their healing journey.
The evidence supporting Accelerated Resolution Therapy continues to grow, with research demonstrating its effectiveness for trauma, anxiety, depression, and many other conditions. This foundation, combined with the positive experiences of countless clients, speaks to ART's value as an effective treatment intervention.
Whether you're struggling with past trauma, current anxiety, relationship challenges, or other emotional concerns, resolution therapy offers a promising path forward. By transforming how memories are stored in the brain, ART helps create lasting relief and opens the door to new possibilities.
We invite you to explore how Accelerated Resolution Therapy might benefit your unique situation. Together, we can work toward a future characterized by emotional freedom, resilience, and well-being.