What Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?
If you’ve been poking around my site and wondering what exactly Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is, you are not alone. Most people have heard of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), but don’t realize that ART is similar, with a few key differences. One great thing about ART is that it is effective, it’s fast, and it doesn’t require you to rehash your trauma over and over again.
So let me break it down in a way that’s simple, conversational, and hopefully gives you a clear picture of what ART is and why I use it in my practice.
What Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy, or ART for short, is a form of therapy that helps people process and resolve difficult experiences, beliefs, or emotions quickly and gently. It was developed by Laney Rosenzweig, LMFT, back in 2008. She’s a therapist who was trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), but she saw ways the process could be faster and easier on the client—so she created ART.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, ART doesn’t require you to tell the whole story or relive painful moments in detail. You can share as little or as much as you want. The work happens through guided imagery, eye movements (similar to what your brain does in REM sleep), and techniques that help your brain "rewrite" how a memory or belief is stored. The goal isn’t to forget what happened—it’s to remember it without the emotional charge that used to come with it.
My Experience With ART
I was fortunate to be trained in ART at the founder’s home in West Hartford, Connecticut. It was a powerful and personal experience, and I walked away knowing that this was something I needed to bring to my clients. Since then, I’ve seen amazing results. I’ve had clients come in struggling with deep-rooted beliefs like "I’m not good enough" or "I’ll always be abandoned," and after just a few sessions of ART, those beliefs shift. They begin to feel lighter, more hopeful, and more in control of their own narrative.
What Can ART Help With?
ART can help with a wide range of issues. Some people come in with a very specific trauma they want to work on—a car accident, medical trauma, or a painful breakup. Others struggle with chronic anxiety, panic attacks, or self-sabotaging patterns that they just can’t shake. And then there are people who walk in saying, "I don’t even know where to start, I just know I feel stuck."
That’s totally okay. You don’t have to have it all figured out. ART works even if you’re not sure what the "thing" is. Part of my job is to help you uncover it gently, and then work together to resolve it at the root.
Here are just a few examples of what ART can help with:
Self-defeating beliefs ("I’ll never be good enough")
Phobias and fears (fear of flying, needles, public speaking, etc.)
Specific trauma (accidents, medical procedures, breakups)
Complex trauma and childhood wounds
Nightmares or intrusive memories
Anxiety and panic
What Happens in a Session?
An ART session usually lasts about 60-75 minutes. We’ll start by getting really clear on what you want to work on, even if it feels vague at first. Then, I’ll guide you through a series of eye movements while you visualize certain images or memories. The process helps your brain reprocess the experience without overwhelming you. Most people say it feels calming, even though they’re working on something that’s usually distressing.
You stay in control the entire time. You can talk as much or as little as you want. There’s no need to relive your trauma in graphic detail—ART allows you to heal without retraumatizing yourself.
Why I Love Using ART
To put it simply, ART works. I’ve seen clients get relief from things they’ve been carrying for decades—sometimes in just a few sessions. It’s not magic, and it’s not a quick fix for everything, but it offers real, lasting results in a way that feels empowering and often even peaceful.
If you’re someone who’s tried talk therapy and felt like it didn’t go deep enough, or you’re overwhelmed by the idea of opening up about everything that’s happened, ART might be a great fit for you.
And if you’re still not sure? That’s okay. You don’t have to commit to anything right now. Just know that this tool exists, and that you deserve to feel better. When you’re ready, I’m here to walk you through it.
Want to learn more or book a session? Feel free to reach out. Let’s talk about whether ART might be the right fit for your healing journey.
About The Author
Stephanie A. Butler, LMHC-S, NCC, MCAP, is a seasoned therapist with 20 years of experience and a private practice, Clarity Counseling & Wellness in Shalimar, Florida. She works with clients who are ready for deep, lasting change, especially those navigating trauma, anxiety, or perfectionism. Stephanie offers both in-person sessions and virtual therapy to clients across Florida and New Hampshire. To connect, email Stephanie@clarityonthecoast.com or fill out the contact form to set up a free 15-minute consultation.
