A Method for Healing: Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Photo by Faza Zeed
Accelerated Resolution Therapy or ART is an evidence-based approach that helps alleviate the symptoms of PTSD, depression, stress and anxiety. Whether you are struggling with specific symptoms or are carrying difficult memories and emotions from your past, ART will take a targeted approach to help you heal from these circumstances.
ART is an evidence-based approach that stands out due to its effectiveness in achieving rapid resolution to symptoms. Many people find relief from their symptoms in as little as 1-2 sessions, and a single session can even provide people with a sense of closure around traumas that have followed them throughout their lives. ART is particularly advantageous for those seeking immediate relief and quick reintegration into their daily lives.
Unlike some other therapies for trauma and PTSD, ART is non-invasive and does not involve medication. This aspect is appealing to many individuals who prefer a more holistic approach to healing. Even in traditional therapy, individuals with trauma often need to revisit their painful memories repeatedly, which can be emotionally draining. ART allows people to engage with difficult memories and emotions in a contained way with the knowledge that they will experience a feeling of resolution and hope at the end of the session. People can even opt to not share the specifics about the difficult memories with the therapist as this treatment does not require verbally communicating the content of memories in order for it to be effective.
Photo by Nikko Macaspac
How Accelerated Resolution Therapy Works
ART utilizes a blend of techniques from various evidence-based therapies, making it a unique and effective approach to healing trauma. Here's how it works:
Visualization: The therapist guides the client through a process of visualization, helping them access their traumatic memories and related emotions.
Somatic processing: The therapist will support you in processing the emotions, body sensations, and meanings that are brought up from recalling the memory by regularly asking you to scan and identify the changes in your physical state.
Eye Movement: Eye movement is a key component of ART. The therapist will use specific eye movements to help the client process and release the emotional distress associated with the traumatic memory. This eye movement is similar to techniques used in EMDR therapy, a proven method for trauma resolution.
Imagery Rescripting: After the emotional distress has been processed, the therapist will help the client change the narrative of the traumatic memory, making it less distressing and more manageable.
Positive Imagery: ART encourages the creation of positive imagery, which serves as a replacement for the distressing traumatic memory. This helps clients form new, healthier associations with the past.
Therapeutic sessions are longer than the standard 45-minute sessions. They can last from 75 minutes to 105 minutes. Each individual session is tailored to you so that you can work through whatever issue arises. It can be difficult to live with symptoms but there is a way to create a different sense of oneself, regain control of your life, and start to heal. With your symptoms subsiding, you have the opportunity to experience yourself in a whole new way.
What to do if you are interested?
Even if you have your own therapist and you want to try this treatment, you can reach out to the office and we’ll set up an appointment. The initial appointment will allow me to get to understand your goals and make sure you are a good candidate for this treatment. (We do charge for this appointment because it is a psychotherapeutic assessment. I take the time to get to know you which is important for effective treatment. If you are a fit, we’ll set up the next appointment. If it is decided that you are not a good fit for treatment, we can discuss what other treatment options might be more appropriate. I can also coordinate care with your regular talk therapist with your permission. Sessions are at a minimum of 75 minutes. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not support sessions longer than 60 minutes, therefore ART treatment sessions are self-pay only. Standard session rates are $150-180 sliding scale. Remember, like with any treatment, results will vary.
Whether it is something that has been sitting with you for a long time or a situation that has recently occurred, symptom management is necessary for healing. I’ve worked with clients who have experienced major shifts in their lives after just a few ART sessions. I hope you will allow me to assist you in the lifelong process toward greater joy and life satisfaction.
Written By: Indie Cusack, LMSW (they/them)
Indie Cusack, LMSW (they/them), blends evidence-based interventions like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy to empower individuals in their healing journey. With a Master of Social Work from Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, Indie specializes in guiding adolescents, young adults, groups and those dealing with Substance Abuse Recovery. Their approach prioritizes empowerment and liberation where challenges find context but never control the narrative of your future.
Liberation-Based Therapy
Email: info@liberationbasedtherapy.com
Website: www.liberationbasedtherapy.com
Phone Number: (917) 722-2932
