Accelerated Resolution Therapy® (ART)
What to expect
What is ART?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy is a structured form of psychotherapy that uses guided eye movements and imagery to work with distressing memories.
During a session, you bring a particular experience to mind while I guide you through the process. The aim is to reduce the distress connected to that experience. You can work with a memory without describing every detail aloud.
90 minutes · $225 · In person in Courtenay
Is ART a fit for me?
You might be interested in exploring ART if you notice that reminders of a difficult experience bring up strong emotions, unwanted images, or physical reactions.
Perhaps you avoid certain situations because of how they make you feel. Or you understand what happened, but still find yourself reacting in ways that are difficult to manage.
We’ll talk about what you’re experiencing, your goals, and the support you need before deciding whether to begin ART.
1.
We begin with a conversation
We’ll discuss what you would like help with, talk through the process, and make space for your questions. Together, we’ll identify a starting point.
2.
I guide you through the process
You’ll focus on a memory or experience while I guide you through eye movements and imagery. We’ll check in about what you’re noticing. You can let me know whenever you need a pause.
3.
We reflect on your experience
At the end, we’ll talk about how you’re feeling, what you noticed, and what might be helpful next. Any further sessions will be discussed in relation to your needs.
What happens in a session?
During an ART session, you’ll remain fully in control as your therapist guides you through a series of eye movements—which we believe to be similar to what naturally occurs during dreaming—while you recall a difficult memory or feeling.
ART is grounded in the science of how memories and emotions are stored in the brain. By helping the mind replace distressing images and sensations with new, positive ones, ART allows healing to occur quickly and safely; so you can move forward without being held back by the past.
Grounded in research
ART® is an evidence-based treatment that has shown very promising results in studies to date, especially those involving PTSD and bereavement.
ART is firmly grounded in techniques used in well-established evidence-based treatments, including exposure through visualization, visualized in-vivo exposure, relaxation/stress inoculation facilitated by eye movements, re-scripting of negative images, Gestalt techniques, and others.
The key findings of research to date are:
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Rapid outcomes - Clients experience rapid outcomes, with an average of 3–4 sessions and as few as 1.
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Effectiveness in PTSD - ART produces clinically significant and lasting reductions in PTSD and comorbid symptoms across both military and civilian settings.
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Broad symptom impact (depression, grief, comorbidity) - Across multiple peer-reviewed investigations, ART alleviates co-occurring depression, anxiety, and grief alongside trauma relief.
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Sustained / durable effect - Across all longitudinal analyses, ART’s therapeutic gains have been maintained for months after treatment completion.
"I first experienced Accelerated Resolution Therapy® (ART) as a client, seeking support to process distressing childhood memories that I had carried for more than 40 years. The experience was profound and pivotal in my own healing journey. The impact was so significant that I knew I wanted to pursue training in ART, so I could offer this powerful therapeutic approach to my own clients and support them in their healing journeys."
— Jen, Align Therapy
Frequently asked questions
Curious whether ART could help?
Taking the first step doesn't mean you need to have everything figured out. It simply means you're open to exploring what's possible. I offer a free 15-minute meet-and-greet so we can connect, talk about what you're looking for, and see whether working together feels like a good fit, with no obligation to book afterward.