How We Treat
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
How Does ART Work?
The counseling center group offers a unique opportunity for clients to receive ART. The process is shorter than traditional therapy and is very effective in resolving trauma. The therapist guides the client through a series of eye movements that help to release the emotional impact of the trauma. The therapist also helps the client to reframe the event so that it no longer has the same emotional charge.
Where to begin
ART draws from several existing therapeutic approaches in order to reprogram how our brain stores upsetting memories or images to reduce the severity of distressing reactions. In an ART session, the use of rapid eye movements while focusing on specific parts of a memory enable the client to neutralize strong negative responses (and associated physical sensations) to that memory.
Clients are in complete control of the entire ART process, with ART-trained clinicians as guides. This prevents retraumatization, and clients do not have to share details about their traumas to see results.
In ART:
- Clients are not required to share their distressing memories with the therapist
- Clients can participate in other therapies and medical treatments
- Clients are always in control of the treatment. ART is not hynotherapy
- There is no homework, and the client does not have to recall traumatic memories in between sessions
What is the difference between EMDR & ART?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) are similar in that both apply bilateral stimulation (BLS).
- Are evidence-based treatments with significant research supporting their efficacy.
- Treat Trauma including traumas related to a specific incident(s) (often called “T” trauma)
- Treat ongoing situations we struggle with daily (often referred to as “t” trauma’s).
- Apply bilateral stimulation (BLS). BLS refers to the use of a stimulus that is presented to both sides of the body often with the use of light sound or touch. The most commonly used BLS is bilateral eye movements (EMs)
- Are both relatively short-term treatments (with ART, some clients feel relief in just one session).
Some Differences Between ART verses EMDR
ART:
- Works to replace negative images and sensations by replacing them with more positive ones.
ART incorporates Imagery and Sensations
Sessions have very little interaction between the therapist and the client, in fact, the therapist does not necessarily need to know what the specifics are that client is working on. This is extremely beneficial with shame-based traumas.
- Therapist works from a predetermined script, directing the client to specifically focus on certain things during each BLS.
- When a strong reaction occurs, treatment is not paused. Therapist and client work through the difficult reaction as it will dissipate shortly.
- Basic Training is 21 hours. Advanced trainings follow.
ART treatment can be completed in as little as one session.
ART is procedural in nature and therefore does not require a strong therapeutic relationship prior to commencing.
EMDR:
- Incorporates cognitive interweaves. negative cognitions (how one feels about oneself) as a result of traumatic events, and works towards replacing those negative cognitions with positive ones.
- EMDR incorporates Cognitions and Sensations
Client will discuss findings throughout the session with the therapist. Therapist has a more active role in directing determining and guiding the direction of the session.
Therapist provides client with a starting point for each BLS. The BLS helps the client to easily freely associate, enabling the client to discover connections other events in their life.
When a strong reaction occurs, treatment is paused and tools to regulate emotions may be applied.
Basic Training is 44 hours. Advanced trainings follow.
A strong therapeutic alliance with the client, a recognition of common goals and honest communication are all important.
You will work with your therapist to determine which treatment approach (s) would be the most effective for your specific goal(s).
