What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an effective trauma therapy approach, but is also helpful with multiple concerns, including grief, anxiety, phobias, and addictive behaviors. In ART sessions, clients visualize a specific experience or problem while engaging in eye-movements. ART involves changing the way negative, distressing images are stored in the brain using Voluntary Image Replacement (i.e., choosing positive or neutral images to replace distressing or stuck images, sensations, and behaviours).
How does this work?
There are several theories about why eye movements support trauma processing: 1) bilateral movements compete with working memory, decreasing the intensity of the traumatic memory when recalled [1]; 2) eye-movements increase the connection between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, allowing people to retrieve a memory without negative physical and emotional effects [2]; and 3) eye-movements are thought to decrease activity in the amygdala (the fear/threat part of the brain) to make it more manageable to feel emotions like grief, sadness, fear, anxiety, and anger. [3] Although research about this therapy is still catching up to the practice, ART is rooted in existing evidence-based therapies.
The number of ART sessions needed can vary to resolve an issue, depending on the type of severity of concern. However, many people experience relief in as few as 1-5 ART sessions.
Who can this therapy help?
In my experience, ART is effective for a wide range of people and concerns, even those who are skeptical about this approach. It can also be less intimidating for people who have never been to therapy or have limited experience with it, and those who don’t want to share details of their trauma history or verbally express thoughts and feelings.
What are eye-movements?
As the client, you’ll follow my hand or an object with your eyes while visualizing the memory or problem, and while noticing sensations and emotions. This is not hypnosis. I will be your guide, but you are in control of the therapy
What if I’m not a visual person?
Even if you’re not typically someone who thinks in pictures, many people are surprised that they can still imagine or visualize experiences in their mind. And if you’re really not able to, you can think about or narrate the problem, you don’t have to “see” it.
If I have difficulty moving my eyes repeatedly (due to concussion, anxiety, etc.), are there other options besides eye movements?
Eye movements are the first option we try together, but if this is not possible, we can adapt with other types of bilateral movements (e.g., butterfly tapping).
*Note: The initial intake session is usually 50-minutes and follow-up ART sessions are typically 80-minutes
If you’d like to know more, please reach out to ask any questions or book an appointment!
[1] Nieuwenhuis, S., Elzinga, B. M., Ras, P. H., Berends, F., Duijs, P., Samara, Z., & Slagter, H. A. (2013). Bilateral saccadic eye movements and tactile stimulation, but not auditory stimulation, enhance memory retrieval. Brain and cognition, 81(1), 52-56.
[2] Gunter, R. W., & Bodner, G. E. (2008). How eye movements affect unpleasant memories: Support for a working-memory account. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 46(8), 913-931.
[3] de Voogd, L. D., Kanen, J. W., Neville, D. A., Roelofs, K., Fernández, G., & Hermans, E. J. (2018). Eye-movement intervention enhances extinction via amygdala deactivation. Journal of neuroscience, 38(40), 8694-8706.
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is intended for informational purposes only and reflects my professional perspective as a therapist. While the information may be helpful, it is not a substitute for personalized therapy or professional mental health care. Every individual’s needs are unique, and I encourage you to consult with a licensed therapist or healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate assistance, please contact a mental health professional or the Distress Centre. If this is an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.
