What To Expect In An ART Session

May 12

clear vase with white flowers in front of window | what to expect in accelerated resolution therapy for trauma healing and anxiety therapy in Fort Walton Beach and Shalimar Florida | helping adults heal perfectionism anxiety and self-doubt

So you’ve heard about Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and you’re wondering what actually happens in a session. First of all, it’s totally normal to feel a little unsure or even nervous before trying something new—especially something that’s different from traditional talk therapy. I want to walk you through what to expect so you can feel more grounded and comfortable walking into your first session.

First Things First: We Talk About What You Want to Work On

You don’t have to know exactly what the "thing" is. Maybe you just know you feel stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed. Maybe there’s a specific memory or event that still haunts you. Or maybe there’s a pattern you’ve noticed, like self-sabotage or a fear that keeps showing up.

In the first part of the session, we explore what’s coming up for you. You can share as much or as little as you want. I’ll ask some guiding questions to help us narrow in on the target memory or feeling we want to focus on. You never have to share more than you’re comfortable with.

Then, We Get Started With the Eye Movements

ART uses side-to-side eye movements (similar to what your brain does during REM sleep) to help process the emotional charge of a memory. You’ll follow my hand with your eyes while we go through a series of guided steps. It might sound a little strange at first, but most people find it relaxing once we get going.

The eye movements help the brain process stuck memories and emotions without you needing to relive them in detail. It’s a gentle way to move emotional content that’s been trapped in your nervous system.

You’ll Visualize and Reframe the Memory

This is where ART is really different from other therapies. I’ll guide you to visualize the memory or feeling, and then we’ll use imagery techniques to change how your brain stores it. We call this Voluntary Image Replacement.

Instead of holding onto a painful mental picture that brings up anxiety, sadness, or shame, we work together to shift that image into something peaceful, empowering, or neutral. You’re still in control, and I’m there to support and guide you every step of the way.

You Stay in Control the Entire Time

You can stop at any point. You can talk, or stay quiet. You can say, “I don’t want to go there today,” and we’ll switch gears. ART is incredibly flexible and trauma-informed. It meets you where you are, without forcing you to push through something you’re not ready for.

How You Might Feel During and After

Most people describe ART sessions as calming, even when they’re working on something painful. You might feel tired afterward—like your brain has done a workout (because it has!)—or you might feel a lightness or relief you haven’t felt in a long time.

Some clients feel immediate shifts. Others notice changes in the days that follow. Everyone is different, and that’s okay.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

That depends on what you’re working on. Some issues resolve in one or two sessions. Others take longer. What I can say is that ART tends to move faster than most therapies. We’re not just talking about the problem—we’re working directly with the images and body responses that hold it in place.

You and I will check in regularly and adjust as we go. There’s no pressure to move faster than you’re ready for.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out

You don’t need a clear plan. You don’t need to know the root cause of your anxiety. You just need a little curiosity and a willingness to show up. I’ll guide you from there.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like your past is still running the show, ART could be a powerful next step.

About The Author

Stephanie A. Butler, LMHC-S, NCC, MCAP, is a trauma-focused therapist with over 20 years of experience and a passion for helping high-achieving adults reclaim their peace. She owns a private practice, Clarity Counseling & Wellness, in Shalimar, FL and works with clients both in person and virtually in FL and NH. Stephanie uses Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to help people move beyond anxiety, trauma, and self-criticism. Want to learn more? Contact Stephanie@clarityonthecoast.com or use the form here to request your free 15-minute consultation.