Accelerated Resolution Therapy Utah (ART) is a unique, creative form of therapy that utilizes bilateral stimulation in the form of eye movements, combined with Gestalt, Psychodynamic therapy and Guided Imagery to guide clients in processing out negative memories/images and replacing them with positive images. True to its name, it is an accelerated form of therapy that brings quick resolution to the trauma/problems that clients have been struggling to heal from.

The therapist follows a specific protocol to guide the client through a process using gestalt, psychodynamic therapy and guided imagery to process out negative memories/images and replace them with positive. The client will participate in bilateral stimulation in the form of eye movements while thinking of the memory as though watching a movie in their mind; at the end of “watching” their scene, they process the physical sensations in their body. This way they are working through not only their remembered memory—desensitizing the difficult parts—they are also desensitizing the stored body memory. 

After the processing they get a chance to change the way the memory is stored in their brain and it is their choice how they want that to be; sessions end with the clients feeling at peace, often with a smile on their face and satisfied, and although they remember the event, it is no longer so disturbing. ART has a saying “keep the knowledge, lose the pain”, people that participate in ART keep the essential knowledge, they just lose the pain associated.

ART is often best known for treating first responders, combat veterans, and people diagnosed with post traumatic stress.  ART has been known to help many other challenges as well and can be helpful in working through/dealing with mental health problems, such as OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Dyslexia, Eating Disorders, and debilitating fear.

YES! ART is recognized as an evidenced-based treatment modality for psychological trauma/PTSD and depression. 

For more information on research for ART go to: https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/evidence-based and scroll down you will see options for watching videos and reading articles related to the research on ART.

Anyone who is open and willing to give it a try and is okay with the idea that one can change their relationship with their past.

Typically sessions can be done within a 45-55 minute therapy session; however, ideally and if time allows, a 90 minute session is recommended.

As with many other therapies, emotional sensitivity and anxiety can be heightened; vivid dreams and nightmares can result as well.

Depending on the complexity and severity of the individual’s therapeutic needs, ART has been known to have a successful outcome in as little as one session; however, most cases are often more complex and can take up to 3-5 sessions.

YES. Insurance companies often cover ART; however, it is always important to check with your specific health insurance company to be sure. In addition, as with all therapy, your therapist must assess you and see a therapeutic need for it.

Starting any therapy can be intimidating, scary or anxiety provoking, because of this Burnett Counseling tries to make it a more inviting process. I offer a free 30 minute consultation where questions can be answered and those that come to see me can see if they feel I am a good fit for them. 

Other things you can do are to go to acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com and learn more about ART as well as watch the videos, listen to the podcasts, etc. that are listed on this site.