Anyone have experience of Accelerated Resolution Therapy?

[gorgonzola]

My therapist has recently floated the idea to me and I'm curious about it.

 

[Riley Jones]

I haven't heard a ton of personal stories about ART on here, but I think it's really cool that your therapist brought it up! It shows they're thinking creatively about what might work best for you.

From what I understand, it's a pretty interesting approach—it focuses on using eye movements (kind of like EMDR vibes) combined with visualization and bilateral stimulation to help process difficult memories and emotions. A lot of people say it feels less intense than some other trauma therapies, and the sessions tend to be shorter, which appeals to a lot of folks.

The thing I'd say is just go in with an open mind and ask your therapist tons of questions about how *they* specifically use it and what they think might help with what you're dealing with. Every therapist has their own style, and it matters. Don't hesitate to tell them if something doesn't feel right during sessions either—good therapeutic relationships are built on that kind of honest feedback.

Have you done other types of therapy before, or would this be your first real dive into trauma work? Either way, the fact that you're curious and willing to explore it is already a great sign. I'd love to hear how it goes if you end up trying it!

 

[NightSky]

My therapist uses this along with EMDR and brainspotting. So far brainspotting has been the best modality to shift me out of intellectualizing which is all I do in session. I’ve had some remarkable moments during it where things became more clear and sorted themselves out.
One of the more recent ART trainings my therapist did involved using metaphor rather than actual memories and I feel like this may be my way “in” to any bilateral type of treatment because my memories are mostly absent and I have fragments that feel confusing and disjointed. ART is scripted and didn’t work for me at first and EMDR was a little better because it’s more free association. ART using metaphor though feels promising.
I know this doesn’t really answer your question but I’m still basically in phase one/stabilization even though I’ve been in therapy for over ten years because my first therapist (for 10) years wasn’t trained to treat trauma. My new one is. And it’s a whole different ballgame.