About Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

Provided by The Rosenzweig Center for Rapid Recovery

Understanding ART

Accelerated Resolution Therapy® (ART) is a brief, structured form of psychotherapy that helps people process distressing memories and symptoms by changing how those memories are stored in the brain. ART removes triggers by erasing negative images from view. ART uses guided eye movements and visualization techniques to reduce emotional and physical reactions to past experiences while allowing you to stay fully in control. Many clients report significant relief in just a few sessions. Trauma and many other issues can often be resolved in just one session.

What to Expect

ART sessions are typically 60 minutes and follow a step-by-step process guided by a trained clinician. You do not need to describe your trauma in detail to benefit. The therapist will guide you through visualization and gentle eye movements to help your brain reprocess distressing images or sensations safely and effectively.

How ART Helps

Clinical studies have shown ART to be effective for trauma-related symptoms, anxiety, depression, grief, phobias, and more. It may be especially useful for those who have not experienced relief from other therapies, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy or Prolonged Exposure. 

Key Benefits

• Brief and focused; many clients experience relief within one session.

• No detailed retelling of trauma is required; making it easier for both therapist and client.

• Clients remain in control throughout the session.

• Can address a wide range of emotional and physical symptoms.

• Evidence-based and trauma-informed.

Research Summary & Key Takeaways

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:

  1. Rapid outcomes - Clients experience rapid outcomes, with an average of 3–4 sessions and as few as 1.

  2. Effectiveness in PTSD - ART produces clinically significant and lasting reductions in PTSD and comorbid symptoms across both military and civilian settings.

  3. Broad symptom impact (depression, grief, comorbidity) - Across multiple peer-reviewed investigations, ART alleviates co-occurring depression, anxiety, and grief alongside trauma relief.

  4. Sustained / durable effect - Across all longitudinal analyses, ART’s therapeutic gains have been maintained for months after treatment completion.

Applications

Accelerated Resolution Therapy® (ART) is extremely versatile and can help clients in many ways. Here are some issues that have been quickly and effectively treated by ART:

  • Post Traumatic Stress (PTS)

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Phobias

  • Panic Attacks

  • Sleep Issues (including nightmares)

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Addictions / Substance Abuse

  • Performance Anxiety

  • Family Issues

  • Victimization/Poor Self Image

  • Victimization/Sexual Abuse

  • Relationship Issues/Infidelity

  • Codependency

  • Grief

  • Job-Related Stress

  • Pain Management

  • Memory Enhancement

  • Dyslexia Anxiety

  • And more!

Why People Choose ART

Many individuals seek ART because it offers an efficient, empowering way to resolve distress without months of therapy or repeated retelling of painful memories. For some, ART provides a bridge after other therapies have plateaued; for others, it serves as an accessible first-line intervention. Because sessions are typically few in number, ART can be a cost-effective option for individuals and healthcare systems alike.

ART represents an innovative approach that blends structured protocol with deep emotional processing. For clients and clinicians alike, its central promise is simple: to help people remember the facts around difficult memories by removing or replacing the associated negative images, and to restore calm, clarity, and resilience in the process.

Learn More

To learn more about ART, visit the official website for educational videos, research summaries, and training information.

Learn about ART Intensives