Accelerated Resolution Therapy

 What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy, also known as ART, is a method of helping the brain process and overcome distressing images often associated with trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD and many other mental health conditions. Through the use of smooth eye movements and voluntary image replacement, ART helps people “keep the knowledge (the facts), but lose the pain (the distressing images and difficult sensations)”. ART helps reprogram the way distressing images and memories are stored in the brain so they no longer trigger the strong physical sensations and difficult emotions.

You will process the images of your situation, trauma or “scene”. You will also process the somatic, physical sensations that often get triggered when those images are brought up. You will then replace those distressing images with more positive ones. The facts of the situation will change but those triggering images will no longer be associated with the memory.

So you’re telling me that calming eye movements and image rescripting will bring accelerated relief to the trauma that has paralyzed me for years?

YES!!! This is what is so exciting. Used to treat PTSD within the US Military and our own first responders (police, fire etc.), ART offers a revolutionary way to accelerate healing and return functioning to life’s most significantly impacting events.

What’s this “accelerated” part?

Although sessions are typically 90 minutes, the overall course of treatment is, on average, 3-5 sessions. This is why I’m so excited about this therapy. People can achieve dramatic results rapidly, for issues they have been struggling with (or perhaps attending counselling for) for years.

Is this hypnosis?

No. As the client, you are in complete control over your session (as it should be). You decide on the scene to focus on (in fact, you don’t have to tell me anything about your scene/trauma). I will consult and guide you on some possible options, but you are in control. Throughout the session, you direct the pace, and you decide how to shift your scene from distressing images and which positive image to replace it with.

What’s the “image replacement” thing?

Science tells us that every time we bring up a memory, it changes slightly (this is called “reconsolidation”). ART takes advantage of this natural process by allowing you to replace their distressing images for more positive ones (of your choosing, of course). Positive images mean you are far less likely to be triggered or have “an episode” of panic.

Is this evidenced based?

Yes, ART is an evidenced based treatment for psychological trauma and depression. It is also informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Image Re-scripting (used in many cognitive therapies), Guided Imagery, Gestalt Therapy, Exposure Therapy (including imaginal, narrative and in-vivo) and Brief psychodynamic therapy.

Some final notes:

• ART can be utilized with other therapies and medical treatments.

• The client is always in control of what is happening.

• ART does not involve hypnotherapy.

• No medication is given; however, if clients are already taking medications, ART can still be used.

• Clients can choose whether or not to share about their most distressing memories.

• There are no homework assignments.

• The client does not have to purposefully recall the traumatic scene(s) between sessions.

Sounds interesting! How do I book?

If you would like to gain freedom from distressing images and emotions, click here or contact me at 403-588-4222 for a free 15 minute consultation to discuss how ART could work for you. Offering Accelerated Resolution Therapy sessions in-person in Red Deer.