Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an innovative form of psychotherapy that helps people resolve emotional and physical distress tied to painful memories more quickly than traditional talk therapy. ART combines guided imagery, visualization, and eye-movement techniques to change how distressing images and sensations are stored in the brain, often bringing dramatic relief in just a few sessions.
This therapy is increasingly used for trauma, anxiety, panic, PTSD symptoms, phobias, depression, and more — providing a structured yet flexible framework that empowers clients to transform distressing memories into neutral or positive experiences.

ART uses strategic guided eye movements like those used in EMDR but with a more direct focus on replacing negative images with positive ones. During an ART session, you and your therapist:
Identify specific distressing memories you want to address.
Your therapist cooperatively guides your gaze through controlled eye movements.
As these movements occur, you gradually rewrite the sensory and emotional experience linked to the memory — reducing its emotional charge.
Importantly, you do not have to relive traumatic events in detail. You stay in control of what you choose to focus on, making the process more comfortable for many people who find traditional exposure therapy overwhelming. Accelerated Resolution Therapy can reframe your thoughts. Just like this couch with two separate picture frames placed carefully on the seat propped up to face the room — you decide what to place in the frames of your mind.
ART is not limited to traditional trauma. It is often recommended for people experiencing:
Post-Traumatic Stress symptoms
Generalized anxiety or intense stress
Panic attacks and irrational fears
Long-standing emotional distress or intrusive thoughts
Depression linked to past pain
Phobias and performance anxiety
This wide range of applicability makes ART a powerful option for clients who want meaningful change with fewer sessions compared to some longer-term therapies.
ART is recognized by clinical psychology groups as an evidence-based method with growing research support. The Society of Clinical Psychology (APA Division 12) lists ART as an effective approach for trauma and related symptoms.
Sessions are usually 60–75 minutes.
Many clients see noticeable improvement within 1–5 sessions.
You set the pace and choose what memories to address first.
There is no homework, no medication specifically required, and no need to recall every detail of your traumatic experience.
The goal isn’t to erase the memory — it’s to remove the emotional and physiological charge attached to it.
People commonly report feeling:
Calmer and more present after a session
Less reactive to triggers tied to past events
Freed from intrusive thoughts or nightmares
Lighter and more empowered in daily life
ART is versatile. It can be used alongside other counseling approaches, such as talk therapy or traditional trauma processing, depending on your goals and needs. This makes it an effective tool for ongoing therapeutic care.