Accelerated Resolution Therapy

‍

At A Helping Hand Counseling Center, we offer Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) — a breakthrough, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps individuals process trauma, anxiety, grief, and emotional distress quickly and effectively. ART uses guided visualization and eye movements to reprogram how distressing memories are stored in the brain. Mental health care has evolved dramatically in recent years, with new, innovative therapies transforming the way we approach healing. One such breakthrough is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) - a brief, effective, and evidence-based treatment that is changing lives.
‍

What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a form of psychotherapy that uses rapid eye movements and guided visualization to help individuals process and resolve traumatic memories and emotional distress. Developed in 2008, ART combines elements of traditional talk therapy with modern techniques rooted in neuroscience. Unlike many traditional therapies, ART focuses less on verbal processing and more on how memories are stored in the brain. It enables clients to resolve distressing images and sensations without having to relive or talk through every painful detail.

How Does ART Work?

ART is different from traditional talk therapy. During a session, clients use voluntary image replacement while following specific eye movements guided by the therapist. This allows the brain to “rewrite” traumatic memories without reliving the experience in full emotional detail. Most clients experience significant improvement in just 1–5 sessions. ART is designed to reprogram the way distressing memories and images are stored in the brain. During a session, a trained therapist guides the client through a series of eye movements—similar to those experienced during REM sleep—while the client visualizes upsetting memories.
‍
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:

• The client brings whatever is troubling them to mind.
• Through guided visualization and eye movements, the emotional intensity of the memory is reduced.
• The client is encouraged to replace the distressing imagery with positive or neutral ones.
• Over the course of a few sessions (often as few as one to five), the brain reprocesses the memory so that it no longer triggers strong emotional or physical reactions.

What ART Treats?

Who Can Benefit from ART?

ART is versatile and accessible and can be particularly helpful for:

• Veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors
  
• Individuals struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, or depression
• People coping with loss or unresolved grief
  
• Clients dealing with specific phobias or compulsive behaviors

Key Benefits of ART

• ✅ Quick Symptom Relief – Many clients report feeling significantly better in just one to three sessions.
• ✅ Non-Invasive and Drug-Free – ART works naturally with the brain and body.
• ✅ Effective Across Conditions – It helps treat trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, grief, and more.
• ✅ No Need for Full Disclosure – Clients don’t have to verbalize or re-live traumatic events in detail.
• ✅ Empowering and Resilient – ART fosters emotional regulation and long-term resilience.

Why Choose ART at AHHCC?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy offers a refreshing alternative to traditional talk therapy by blending modern neuroscience with compassion and efficiency. For those feeling stuck in emotional pain or trauma, ART can offer real, lasting relief—often faster than expected.

Interested in exploring ART for yourself or a loved one?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healing.