Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a form of therapy that aims to help individuals eliminate negative images, sensations, and reactions associated with traumatic or distressing memories, in addition to almost any other concern (e.g., phobia, anxiety, depression, grief, OCD). Through bilateral stimulation eye-movements, ART helps the brain process and integrate these images in a way that reduces their emotional intensity (i.e., desensitization). This can lead to elimination or reduction in symptoms and dysregulation. ART also focuses on identifying and changing intrusive images, patterns of body reactions, and unhelpful thought patterns that may be contributing to emotional distress (i.e., reprocessing). By addressing the root causes of traumatic images, negative sensations and reactions, ART helps individuals voluntarily change their images and sensations to more helpful and positive images and sensations, giving themselves what they need, and ultimately achieve a greater sense of well-being and unburdening (i.e., “positization”).
Foundations
ART is firmly grounded in techniques used in well-established evidence-based treatments, including exposure through visualization, visualized in-vivo exposure, relaxation/stress inoculation facilitated by eye movements, re-scripting of negative images, Gestalt techniques, use of metaphors, neurobiology, and others. ART is an evidence-based treatment and research is ongoing.
Bilateral stimulation through eye-movements is thought to help keep both hemispheres of the brain "online" at the same time via processing across the corpus callosum, the part of the brain that connects hemispheres. The prefrontal cortex, AKA "thinking brain", is thought to be "offline" when reexperiencing or having a flashback.
Eye-Movements (Bilateral Stimulation)
Reprocessing traumatic or distressing memories through bilateral eye-movements is a key component of Accelerated Resolution Therapy. During the reprocessing of ART, the therapist guides the client through a series of side-to-side eye movements while they focus on the problematic images and sensations. Through this reprocessing, the individual can begin to develop a more adaptive perspective on the event and replace negative images and sensations with positive ones. This helps eliminate negative symptoms and reactions and reduces the emotional intensity associated with the target and promotes a sense of closure and resolution.
Working Memory Hypothesis
Maintaining dual attention to both disturbing material, such as traumatic memories, and the bilateral stimulation is thought to facilitate effective processing. Bilateral stimulation also taxes working memory as a person is talking about distressing events in the past. In doing so, this decreases emotional activation while engaging in recalling memories. Working memory involves using an active memory along with performing cognitive operations. When recalling a memory and engaging in bilateral stimulation, working memory is taxed and the memory may become less activating. Disturbing memories that are brought into consciousness while engaging in bilateral stimulation are subsequently stored back into long-term memory with less vividness and emotional intensity. Thus, memory is reconsolidated with less activation, facilitating traumatic healing.
Eliminating Negative Sensations & Reactions
The exact mechanism behind why bilateral eye-movements work is still being studied, but it's believed to be related to the way the brain processes and integrates traumatic or distressing memories. The theory behind bilateral stimulation, which includes eye-movements, is that it activates both sides of the brain simultaneously, which can facilitate communication between the different parts of the brain involved in processing memories and emotions. This may help to reduce the intensity of negative emotions associated with the memory, and promote a more adaptive perspective on the event. Additionally, bilateral eye-movements have been shown to induce a state of relaxation and calmness, which can be helpful in reducing anxiety and promoting emotional regulation. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, many people who have undergone bilateral eye-movement therapy, such as in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, have reported significant reductions in symptoms related to PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Reprocessing and “Positizing”
Reprocessing through bilateral eye-movements is thought to work by promoting the natural healing process of the brain, which allows for the integration of the traumatic memory into the individual's overall life story. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, bilateral eye-movements have been shown to be an effective treatment for trauma-related conditions, and can help individuals achieve a greater sense of emotional well-being. The eye-movements themselves are soothing and calming.
Memory Reconsolidation
Memory reconsolidation is a process by which previously stored memories are modified or updated in light of new experiences or information. When a memory is retrieved, it becomes temporarily unstable and is susceptible to change. During this time, the memory can be modified through the processes of ART. Reconsolidation occurs when the modified memory is re-stored, incorporating the new information or experience. The idea behind memory reconsolidation is that it allows for the updating of maladaptive or traumatic memories, leading to a reduction in associated negative emotions and behaviors.
Links, Videos, and to Learn More
Laney Rosenzwieg, MS, LMFT is the creator of Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Each month, she provides a live meeting to introduce ART to those who would like to know more. You can join her monthly meeting through the ART website.
You can read more about ART on the ART website.
You can watch Laney’s TEDx Talk on YouTube.
You can watch Laney provide an introduction to ART on YouTube.
You can watch this video about ART, the brain, and “positization” on YouTube.
