Calgary Family Counselling
Similar to EMDR, visualizations and eye movements are used in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to promote desensitization and processing of upsetting memories, exposure to fear triggers, visualization of future preferred behavior, and improvements in physiological arousal, emotional reactivity, and negative beliefs. Based on the concept that various issues might be linked to events that were encoded as traumatic, frequently in childhood, EMDR and ART may be used for a variety of mental health conditions, not just PTSD. EMDR and ART can both result in quick resolution of long-term discomfort resulting from trauma or other negative life events, but Accelerated Resolution Therapy tends to be faster, often providing results in as little as one treatment session.
There are several significant differences that set ART apart from EMDR. ART has the ability to enhance processing of traumatic memories, produce outcomes more quickly and reliably, and reduce the possibility of suffering from further trauma-related pain. ART is a simpler, more experiential approach to desensitization and reframing, including making sure that clients leave each treatment session with positive imagery to replace intrusive unpleasant Images.
So why choose ART?
ART provides quick and lasting resolution of trauma-related discomfort in a safe and effective way, unlike traditional exposure therapy which can weaken over time or be rekindled by exposure to triggers. Evidence suggests that conditioned responses to traumatic memories can be permanently altered during the brief window right after traumatic memories are reactivated.
ART is able to drastically reduce PTSD symptoms, as well as other mental health conditions, in as few as five therapy sessions, which cuts down on the amount of time needed to get results and is cost effective. Clients are also in charge of their own recovery process during all phases of the ART protocol due to the procedure’s structure, and they virtually always feel better when they finish each therapy session than when they began. Additionally, clients see immediate relief and significant improvements in mood and functioning.
If you would like to see if ART is right for you, contact us for a free consultation.