Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

ART FAQ & Info 

What Does ART Help With?

ART may help with:​

• Trauma & PTSD

• Anxiety & panic

• Disturbing memories

• Flashbacks

• Nightmares

• Intrusive thoughts

• Grief & loss

• Relationship wounds

• Medical trauma

• Accidents or assaults

• Stressful life events

 
It can also help reduce:​

• racing heart

• nausea

• tight chest

• panic sensations

• emotional overwhelm connected to memories​

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How Does ART Work?​
 
During ART, you briefly think about a problem or memory while following hand movements or dots moving back and forth with your eyes.
 
This helps the brain:

• process the memory or problem differently

• reduce emotional intensity

• calm body sensations connected to the memory or problem

• store the event as something in the past instead of something that still feels present

 
You do not have to share every detail of your experience out loud for ART to work.
 
Sessions include frequent pauses for grounding, emotional regulation, and checking in with your body so you do not stay overwhelmed.
 
Why We Focus on the Body
 
Trauma and stress are often stored not only in thoughts, but also in the body.
 
You may notice sensations like:

• tightness

• heaviness

• shakiness

• numbness

• pressure

• nausea

• feeling frozen or stuck

 
One of the goals of ART is helping your nervous system release these reactions so your body no longer responds as if the event is still happening.
 
Some words clients use to describe body sensations:

• tight

• heavy

• hollow

• shaky

• numb

• buzzing

• frozen

• fluttery

• warm

• calm

• relaxed

 
Learning to notice sensations without judgment is often an important part of healing.

What Should I Process in My ART Session?

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Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) focuses on helping you process distressing memories, experiences, or situations that still feel emotionally stuck or activating. Rather than focusing only on thoughts or beliefs, ART works by targeting the experiences connected to those feelings and helping your brain process them in a new way.

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Many clients come into ART knowing how they feel, but not necessarily what memory to start with and that’s completely okay. Together, we can identify a place to begin.

Often, this may be:

• the first time you remember feeling this way,

• the worst or most emotionally intense experience,

• or a recent situation that activated similar emotions or beliefs.

You do not need to have every detail figured out before session.

ART can be helpful for experiences related to:

• relationship wounds or breakups,

• trauma or painful memories,

• anxiety or panic,

• grief and loss,

• rejection or abandonment,

• shame, worthlessness, or feeling “not enough,”

• and experiences that still feel emotionally charged even when you logically understand them.

The goal is not to force you to relive the experience, but to help your nervous system process and release the distress connected to it so you can move forward with less emotional intensity and more clarity.

 
Preparing for ART
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Intake & Preparation Sessions
 
Before processing memories, we first focus on creating safety and building coping skills.
 
Preparation sessions may include:

• grounding techniques

• emotional regulation skills

• nervous system education

• identifying body sensations

• creating safe/calm imagery

• learning how to slow down overwhelm

 
Preparation is important because healing works best when your mind and body feel supported and ready.
 
Some clients may need only 1–2 preparation sessions, while others may benefit from more time depending on:

• current stress levels

• trauma history

• dissociation symptoms

• emotional safety

• previous therapy experience

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Before Your Session
 
Create a Private, Comfortable Space
 
For virtual sessions:

• Choose a quiet, private place where you feel safe

• Use headphones if helpful

• Silence notifications and reduce distractions

• Consider a blanket, water, tea, tissues, or comforting items nearby

If possible:

• Use a laptop or device with a large screen instead of a phone

• Position your screen at eye level

• Check your internet connection beforehand

• Remove contacts to avoid eye irritation or dryness

 
Mentally Prepare
Before session, try to:

• Take a few deep breaths

• Stretch or release tension

• Remind yourself that you can pause at any time

• Give yourself permission to process difficult emotions safely

 
You do not need to “do therapy perfectly.”
There is no right or wrong way to process.
 
What an ART Session Looks Like
 
During an ART session we:

1. Briefly check in

2. Practice grounding

3. Use eye movements (following a hand or dots)

4. Process the memory in short segments

5. Pause frequently to regulate and notice body sensations

6. Continue until the memory feels less distressing

 
Many clients notice the memory begins to feel:

• more distant

• less vivid

• less emotionally charged

• easier to think about calmly

 
You are always in control during the process. We can slow down, pause, or adjust the pace at any time.
 
Virtual & In-Person ART
 
ART can be done:

• In person

• Securely online through telehealth

 
For virtual sessions, clients follow moving dots on the screen instead of hand movements.

 
After an ART Session
 
Many clients feel:

• mentally tired

• emotionally aware

• lighter or relieved

• calm and relaxed

• physically exhausted

 
This is normal. Your brain and nervous system are doing important healing work.
 
You may also:

• think more about the topic temporarily

• have vivid dreams

• feel emotionally sensitive

• notice shifts in beliefs or identity

• remember other past experiences

• feel unexpected relief or calm

 
Healing can come in layers. As one thing shifts, something new may come forward. This is completely normal. If that happens, write it down and bring it to our next session so we can work through it together.

 
Helpful Ways to Care for Yourself After Session
 
Slow Down
 
If possible, avoid jumping immediately back into work, errands, or stressful tasks. Give your brain time to settle.
 
Rest
 
A nap, quiet time, or simply laying down under a weighted blanket can feel very grounding after processing.
 
Get Fresh Air
 
A short walk, stepping outside, or slowing down in nature can help your nervous system regulate.
 
Journal or Create
 
Some people like to write, doodle, paint, listen to music, or express themselves creatively after session.
 
Practice Extra Self-Care
 
You may need:

• more rest

• comforting foods

• hydration

• quiet time

• gentleness with yourself

 
Healing work can continue even after session ends.
 

A Gentle Reminder
 
You do not have to force the process or “perform” in therapy.
 
My role is to guide the session, help you stay emotionally safe, and adjust the pace based on your needs. ART is collaborative, flexible, and always done with your consent.
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You’ve already taken an important step by being here.