Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a brief, evidence-based psychotherapy that uses rapid, side-to-side eye movements to help the brain reprocess distressing memories. ART is endorsed by leading mental-health authorities such as the International Society for Accelerated Resolution Therapy (IS-ART) and ART International.
| Feature | Traditional Talk Therapy | EMDR | Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session length | 45–60 min, many weeks | 45–60 min, 8–12 sessions | 45–60 min, often 1–3 sessions for measurable relief |
| Storytelling requirement | Detailed narrative of the problem | Detailed narrative + bilateral stimulation | Only the context is needed — you do not have to recount every graphic detail |
| Exposure time | Gradual, may span several sessions | Repeated sets of eye-movements over many minutes | One ~5-minute “re-experience” is sufficient for most clients |
| Mechanism | Cognitive restructuring, insight | Bilateral stimulation + memory reconsolidation | Rapid eye-movement protocol + voluntary image replacement (positive image swaps for the distressing one) |
| Typical outcomes | Symptom reduction over months | Symptom reduction over weeks–months | Rapid symptom relief — many notice a shift after the first session |
Sources: SAMHSA, IS-ART, ART International.
ART is listed as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD, depression, and anxiety by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and is referenced in peer-reviewed literature indexed by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Most clients notice a significant reduction in distress after the first session; many complete treatment in 5–10 sessions.
Many insurers recognize ART under SAMHSA’s evidence-based treatments. See SAMHSA’s guidelines for details.
No. ART only requires the context of the event. You keep the narrative brief, and the eye-movement protocol does the heavy lifting.
Yes. Exposure is brief (~5 minutes) and done under calm, controlled conditions.
Many feel relief after 1–3 sessions; others prefer 5–10 to lock in lasting change.
Yes — it often pairs well with medication, CBT, and family work.
Sarah, a mother of two, had nightly flashbacks after a car crash. After three ART sessions, she reported sleeping through the night and no longer felt the “crash-scene” image when driving. She described ART like a “reset button” for her brain.
