Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a unique approach to psychotherapy that uses bilateral stimulation to replace the negative images/memories in the mind that cause the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress with positive images of the client’s choosing. If you’ve tried ordinary talk therapy with little to no progress, ART may be what you need to kick your trauma to the curb! At Summer Counseling, we provide ART and other forms of trauma therapy virtually and in person for patients in Oakdale, Minnesota. If you are fighting PTSD or an acute form of trauma that’s deeply impacted your life, we would be honored to be part of your journey to healing and finding peace.
How Does Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Work?
Bilateral stimulation, such as that used in ART therapy, calms the nervous system and stops negative memories or images from replaying in your mind. The effects are immediate and significant, often showing results within just 1 or 2 sessions. Once the negative images have been replaced by positive ones, the triggers are gone. Nightmares and repeated intrusive thoughts stop. One of the special aspects of Accelerated Resolution Therapy is that clients don’t need to relay any details of the trauma to their therapist—ART is a procedural and creative process that leaves the client in complete control.
What Can ART Be Used for?
ART is recognized as evidence-based by the Society of Clinical Psychology, Div. 12 of the American Psychological Association (APA) and is a covered service for clients using insurance. Some of the growing body of research that shows ART can do this may be found by clicking the following link: https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/evidence-based/
ART can be useful in treating:
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Eating Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety and Generalized Depressive Disorders
Some studies show effectiveness in treating traumas often associated with dyslexia and even beyond that to improve reading!
The Difference Between Accelerated Resolution Therapy and EMDR
These two are often compared, so we thought we’d set the record straight! Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are both effective, evidence-based trauma therapies, but they differ in structure and speed. EMDR also uses bilateral stimulation—typically guided eye movements—to help clients reprocess traumatic memories over multiple sessions, gradually reducing emotional distress. ART is often faster, using eye movements combined with visualization techniques to shift how distressing images and sensations are stored in the brain, while EMDR tends to be a longer-term approach. Both therapies are available at Summer Counseling, so we can determine the one that works best for your situation!
We’ve Got Your Back
Summer Counseling is proud to employ a variety of skilled mental health professionals, including Jennifer Kokes, LPCC. Jennifer is an ART-certified therapist and can work with teens and adults to reduce trauma triggers, panic attacks, anxiety, and more. Call today to schedule an appointment for Accelerated Resolution Therapy at our Oakdale office!