Accelerated Resolution Therapy® (ART) is a brief, structured form of psychotherapy that helps reduce distress tied to difficult experiences or memories. Using guided eye movements and visualization techniques, ART helps your brain reprocess troubling images, sensations, and emotions so they no longer cause the same level of distress.

ART works through a process called memory reconsolidation, which helps your brain change the way painful memories are stored. During guided eye movements, you’ll intentionally replace distressing images with new, calm, or positive images. The factual memory remains, but the emotional and physical reactions are eliminated.

ART has been shown to help with many issues, including PTSD and trauma-related symptoms, anxiety and panic, OCD, depression, substance misuse, ADHD, relationship issues, grief and loss, phobias, sleep problems, job related stress, chronic stress or pain with emotional components, and more.

Other trauma therapies rely on exposure to create desensitization.  This means a client will have to relive the memory of their trauma in a controlled environment as they rehash painful details. With ART, clients don't have to recount their trauma in detail to their therapist, making it a safer, more comfortable process. Plus, there's no homework. ART uses targeted techniques that help you process and resolve trauma effectively, focusing on how memories are stored and experienced without reliving the pain.

ART shares some mechanisms with EMDR, particularly the use of bilateral eye movements and the aim of reducing distress associated with traumatic memories. However, ART differs in its structure and focus: sessions are more directive and include scripted interventions that actively guide the client to replace distressing images. ART is also briefer in format and many issues are commonly resolved in only one session—many clients complete treatment in fewer sessions than traditional trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) or Prolonged Exposure (PE).

Importantly, ART is not hypnosis. Clients remain fully alert, oriented, and aware throughout the process. Nor is ART a “band-aid” fix; while it can produce rapid relief, the method works through recognized neurological processes of memory reconsolidation supported by emerging research in affective neuroscience.

ART sessions can range from 60-90 minutes. You’ll be seated comfortably while your therapist guides you through sets of side-to-side eye movements and visualization exercises. You’ll focus on specific images, sensations, or emotions, while your therapist helps you transform how those memories are stored and experienced.

Many people describe ART sessions as calm, focused, and surprisingly gentle. You may experience physical sensations—like tingling, tightness, tears, or relaxation—as emotions shift and release. Clients often leave sessions feeling lighter, calmer, and more in control.

Yes. ART is considered a safe, low-risk intervention. It is delivered by licensed mental health professionals who have completed specialized ART training and certification. As with any psychotherapy, your therapist will ensure the pace and focus are appropriate for your comfort and safety.

Yes. Research and clinical experience show that ART can be helpful for people who haven’t found full relief from other evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Processing Therapy or Prolonged Exposure. It offers a new pathway to resolve distress without prolonged exposure or repeated retelling of trauma.

Each person’s needs are different, but many clients report noticeable improvement within one to five sessions. Trauma from multiple events that are linked to one issue in the client’s brain can be often be done together in a single session. Your therapist will collaborate with you to determine the best pace and treatment plan.

No. One of ART’s most unique features is that you do not need to describe your trauma or personal experiences in detail if you prefer not to. You can still fully process and resolve those memories privately, while your therapist guides you through the technique.

Unlike some traditional trauma therapies, ART is designed to minimize re-traumatization. You will recall distressing images briefly (which is what researchers call “imaginal exposure”), but the goal is to replace them with calm, safe, or empowering images—often leading to immediate emotional relief.

While everyone is different, research and clinical reports suggest that ART’s effects are long-lasting. Once the brain has reprocessed a distressing memory, the emotional and physical reactivity tied to those memories are typically eliminated.

The initial 55-minute clinical intake session is always held virtually over a Zoom video call.

ART sessions can be held over Zoom video calls or potentially in-person in Oakland, CA. In-person sessions may incur a higher fee—please inquire about this option to see if in-person sessions are currently available.

Not all clients or situations are suited for virtual delivery, so discuss this option with your therapist.

Please visit my main FAQs page to see my current fees.