Accelerated Resolution Therapy Specialist in Riverdale, UT

Accelerated resolution therapy, known as ART, is a relatively new type of psychotherapy. It allows patients to process and resolve traumatic memories and distressing emotions quickly and effectively. Developed in the 2000s by marriage and family therapist Laney Rosenzweig, ART integrates techniques from several existing therapies, including specific eye movements and visualization, to facilitate healing.

In an ART session, a licensed therapist guides the patient through a series of eye movements while they are prompted to think about a traumatic memory or a recurrent, troubling thought. Similar to EMDR therapy, ART allows patients to process and reframe these experiences. 

By visualizing a different outcome or way of feeling about the memory, patients can find relief from the emotional distress associated with it. Once the negative associations are removed from the memory or thought and replaced with a new, more positive one, symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, or chronic anxiety will become less frequent and intense.

ART allows you to reprocess traumatic memories and address emotional distress through a combination of guided visualization and rapid eye movements. This technique is known as voluntary memory or image replacement. As with any mental health treatment, your ART journey will begin with a consultation appointment.

During your first few sessions, your therapist will focus on understanding your concerns, explaining the ART process, and using screening tools to gauge a benchmark for monitoring progress. They will discuss the eye movements that will be used in your sessions to help you deal with concerns like symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety, generalized depression, or eating disorders.

In an ART session, you’ll be asked to think about a troubling memory and follow the therapist’s hand movements with your eyes. The therapist will guide you to reimagine the memory in a new way. For instance, you may be prompted to visualize a more positive outcome for a specific situation.

ART is designed to bring relief from symptoms, typically in just a few sessions, making it a practical choice for many people seeking mental health support. While it is relatively new, it is evidence-based and provides impressive results. To understand exactly how this approach works and how it can benefit you, book an appointment with a reputable specialist at Gold Counseling.

Among the common mental health issues that can be addressed through the ART approach are:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – By helping PTSD patients reprocess traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment, ART can significantly reduce distressing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – ART can provide fast relief for patients with OCD, reducing the distress and compulsions associated with this complex condition.
• Grief – For those dealing with the loss of a loved one, ART can provide relief. This approach supports patients in finding ways to think about the circumstances without overwhelming sadness.
• Anxiety – ART can be used to reduce the intense fear and worry caused by anxiety disorders, such as specific phobias. By reprocessing traumatic memories associated with your anxiety, ART can help you feel calmer.
• Depression – By helping patients reframe their experiences, ART can foster a more positive outlook and alleviate certain symptoms caused by depression.
• Substance use disorder (SUD) – This form of psychotherapy can be used in combination with other approaches to support individuals recovering from substance use disorders. ART is beneficial for addressing underlying traumas that may be contributing to addiction.

When you come in for your ART consultation, you’ll start by meeting the specialist. During your consultation as well as your initial visits, the therapist will discuss the distressing memories you’d like to address during the process and go over what you can expect.

In your treatment session, the practitioner will guide you through various eye movements while you focus on specific, distressing memories or feelings. They will provide active guidance to successfully execute voluntary image replacement. ART is a supportive, non-invasive therapy aimed at providing quick relief. To explore how ART can help you overcome your mental health concerns, schedule a consultation session with the expert at Gold Counseling in Riverdale, Utah. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Riverdale UT, Washington Terrace UT, Clinton UT, Kaysville UT, Clearfield UT, Farmington UT, Draper UT, Riverton UT, Sandy UT, St. George UT, Bloomington UT, Santa Clara, UT, and surrounding areas.