Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) From a Caring Team Based in Watertown, SD
When painful memories or distressing experiences continue to surface long after an event has passed, it can be frustrating. You want to put the past behind you and move on with your life as soon as possible, but it hangs like a stubborn shroud over your shoulders. At Aspen Counseling in Watertown, South Dakota, we have options for scenarios like these. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an evidence-based approach designed to help individuals process trauma and other overwhelming experiences in a focused, efficient way. And as it happens, ART is one of the therapies available at our practice.
What You Should Know About Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Accelerated Resolution Therapy, often referred to as ART, is a trauma-focused therapy that combines elements of traditional talk therapy with guided eye movements. It was developed primarily to help individuals with PTSD.
What Does ART Treat?
Nowadays, ART is used to address:
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress
- Anxiety and panic symptoms
- Grief and unresolved loss
- Disturbing memories
- Stress-related reactions
Unlike typical talk therapy approaches that would require you to open up about your trauma, ART works internally, changing how the brain stores distressing images. Many clients appreciate that they do not have to share every detail of their experience and suffer further discomfort to reap the full benefits of this treatment.
How Does ART Work?
You might be thinking, “How on earth does something like eye movements affect mental health?” ART works through a combination of relaxation techniques and bilateral stimulation. The process is believed to help the brain reprocess how the memory is stored, which lessens the emotional charge—trauma—associated with that memory. A key component of ART therapy is the focus on image replacement. After identifying a distressing image, clients are encouraged to replace it with a more neutral or empowering image. Over time, the event feels more distant and less triggering.
What Are ART Sessions Like?
ART sessions are structured and goal-oriented. During a session, an ART therapist guides their client through specific eye movement patterns while the client recalls aspects of a distressing memory. While every person’s experience is different, this form of therapy is considered “accelerated” because individuals often report noticeable relief within a relatively short number of sessions compared to traditional trauma therapies. Because ART works at both the cognitive and physiological levels, it can be helpful for individuals who feel “stuck” despite understanding their experiences logically.
Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy Right for You?
Healing from trauma does not have to mean reliving it, in case that held you back from seeking trauma treatment before. If you find yourself avoiding certain memories, reacting strongly to reminders of past events, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed by experiences that seem difficult to move beyond, Accelerated Resolution Therapy may be worth exploring. Your therapist will discuss options with you to assess whether ART is clinically appropriate based on your history, symptoms, and overall treatment goals.
Receive Personalized Treatment for Trauma at Aspen Counseling
At Aspen Counseling, our therapists are trained in multiple evidence-based approaches, allowing them to determine when ART is the right fit and when another modality—such as EMDR, CBT, DBT skills, or IFS-informed therapy—may be more appropriate. Support is available to help you move forward with greater confidence! ART sessions are available in person at our Watertown office. When clinically appropriate, telehealth options may also be discussed, depending on the nature of the concern and treatment goals. Reach out today to discuss ART therapy with a member of our team and review your options.