Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
A Faster Path to Healing
Accelerated Resolution Therapy offers a powerful way to process trauma without having to relive every painful detail. If you're struggling with traumatic memories, birth trauma, pregnancy loss, PTSD, or overwhelming anxiety—ART can help your brain reprocess these experiences so they stop controlling your life.
This guide will walk you through what to expect before, during, and after your ART sessions so you can feel prepared and confident.
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
ART is an evidence-based therapy that works with your brain's natural ability to heal. Through guided eye movements (similar to what happens during REM sleep), we help your brain reprocess distressing memories and experiences. The result? You keep the facts of what happened, but the emotional charge and physical response transform.
You won't forget what happened. But you'll stop being consumed by it.
ART is particularly effective for:
Birth trauma and PTSD from delivery or NICU experiences
Pregnancy loss and miscarriage trauma
Fertility treatment trauma
All forms of trauma and PTSD
Anxiety and panic
Depression
Phobias
Grief that feels stuck
Intrusive thoughts
Performance anxiety
So so much more!
Most people complete ART treatment in 1-5 sessions. Many experience significant relief after just one session. Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes.
Preparing for your session
ART sessions happen online through a secure video link I'll send you. Setting up your space thoughtfully will make the process more effective.
Create a distraction-free environment:
Find a private space where you won't be interrupted
Put pets in another room if possible
Let household members know you need uninterrupted time
Turn off notifications, close email and messaging apps (use airplane mode or Do Not Disturb)
Make sure your internet connection is stable
Set up your technology:
Position your computer or tablet at eye level—this is important for the eye movements we'll use
Use a larger screen if possible (laptop or tablet works better than phone)
Test your camera and audio before our session
Have the video link ready to go a few minutes early
Gather comfort items:
Water bottle (staying hydrated helps your brain process)
Tissues
Blanket or comfort items
A chair that allows you to sit upright comfortably
Taking a few minutes to set this up in advance means we can use our session time for the actual healing work.
During Your ART Session
ART is a collaborative process between us. I'll guide you, and you'll stay in control the entire time.
Here's how it works:
I'll ask you to focus on the memory, experience, or physical sensation that's bothering you. You don't have to share every detail out loud if you don't want to—ART can work even without discussing specifics.
Then, I'll guide you through smooth, side-to-side eye movements while you hold that focus. These bilateral movements help your brain reprocess the experience in a new way. Your brain does the healing—we're just creating the conditions for it to happen.
What makes ART different:
ART is directive, meaning I'll guide the pace and keep things moving. This is intentional—it keeps your thinking brain from getting in the way so your deeper brain can do the work. I'll use specific prompts and maintain momentum throughout the session.
You might be surprised by how quickly things shift. That's normal with ART.
You're always in control:
You can pause at any time
You can choose what you care to share
If eye movements feel uncomfortable, let me know immediately—we can adjust
This is your healing process, and I'm here to support you through it
After Your ART Session
Immediate aftermath:
Most people feel calm, peaceful, and sometimes a little tired after ART. Give yourself 10-15 minutes after our session to transition back into your day. Don't rush into something demanding right away.
What helps:
Take a short walk
Move your body gently
Eat a nourishing snack
Rest if you need to
The days following your session:
Your brain will continue processing for 1-3 days after our session. This is completely normal and shows the therapy is working.
You might notice:
New insights or perspectives emerging
Emotions shifting (sometimes feeling lighter, sometimes another layer surfacing)
Meaningful dreams
A sense of relief or spaciousness
Physical sensations releasing
How to support your healing:
Drink plenty of water—your brain needs it to process
Be gentle with yourself
Allow some quiet, restful time if possible
Don't worry if another layer surfaces—this means we're making progress and can address deeper issues
Important: Unlike some therapies, you don't need to deliberately revisit difficult memories between sessions. I may assign simple eye movement exercises to reinforce the positive changes you made during our session. Your brain knows how to heal—we've just given it the tools to do so.
Why ART works
ART uses a process called memory reconsolidation. When you recall a memory, your brain temporarily makes it changeable. Through the bilateral eye movements, we help your brain file that memory differently—keeping the facts but transforming the emotional and physical response.
Instead of being triggered by painful memories, you can recall them without the overwhelm. The memory exists, but it doesn't run your life anymore.
Research shows ART creates rapid and lasting change for people who've struggled with trauma for years. This isn't about suppressing memories or "getting over it"—it's about genuine healing at a neurological level.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're tired of being controlled by past experiences, if you want to stop reliving trauma every time something triggers you, if you're ready to feel like yourself again—ART might be exactly what you need.
I'm here to guide you through this process with care, respect, and the expertise to help you heal.
Learn more about Accelerated Resolution Therapy at acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com
