Accelerated Resolution Therapy or ART is a therapeutic protocol used in the treatment of mental and emotional trauma. The National Registry of Evidence Based Programs and Practices (NREPP), which is part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), found Accelerated Resolution Therapy to be an effective psychotherapy for PTSD, depression, stress, and personal resilience. ART was also classified as a promising therapy for symptoms of phobia, panic, anxiety, sleep and wake disorders, disruptive and antisocial behaviors, general functioning and well-being.
Those suffering from PTSD caused by major trauma such as sexual or physical assault, combat experiences, accidents or the sudden death of a loved one can benefit from art therapy. Sessions work to alleviate PTSD symptoms like flashbacks and nightmares, angry outbursts, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and feelings of depression and isolation.
Recent research has pointed to the fact that PTSD can also result from less dramatic life events, such as harmful experiences during childhood. In some cases, these can cause even more symptoms of PTSD and major traumas like combat or terroristic attacks.
In either case, once trauma has been experienced, there is a disruption of how the brain processes the information. In a “normal” brain that has not experienced a shocking event, processing systems digest information about what has been experienced and make appropriate connections. Those reactions to the event that are no longer useful, any emotions or physical sensations, are released.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy can be an effective protocol to treat unprocessed past memories that are poisoning the present. ART is able to remove the anxiety, fear, and sadness that caused individuals to avoid or overreact to situations.
ART techniques allow individuals to identify early memories that are the root of their problems and change their emotions, thoughts, and even physical sensation surrounding them. These same techniques can also help people achieve desired goals by understanding why they do what they do and how they can manage life and their own behaviors better.
ART is used to treat a variety of issues including: Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Depression, Anxiety, Panic attacks, Complicated grief, Disturbing memories, Phobias, Pain disorders, Performance anxiety, Sexual and or physical abuse.
If you or a loved one suffer from any of the above and believe you may benefit from ART, please contact me. I would be happy to discuss how I and this particular therapy approach might help.
- https://mindfullyhealing.com/therapies/accelerated-resolution-therapy-art/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCVluIbsq7Q
- https://www.is-art.org/
- https://artherapyinternational.org/
