Understanding the Differences Between Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and EMDR
If you have heard of both Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), you may wonder whether they are similar or how they differ. In this blog, I’ll go over some similarities and highlight some key differences between both modalities described well by EMDRIA and ART. I will share my own experience of these therapies as a therapist who utilizes both with clients and also my personal experiences as I have used both modalities to work through personal trauma. (2)
Theoretical Foundations:
EMDR: (4)
Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s.
Based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which posits that traumatic memories are improperly stored in the brain and can be reprocessed using bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements, taps).
Focuses on processing past events, present triggers, and developing future coping templates.
ART:
Developed by Laney Rosenzweig in the 2000s.
Combines elements from multiple therapies (e.g., CBT, guided imagery) and is more procedurally structured.
Focuses on changing how images and sensations associated with distressing memories are stored in the brain.
Structure and Duration:
EMDR:
Follows a standard 8-phase protocol.
Sessions can be longer and treatment may span several weeks to months, especially for complex trauma depending on progress with the client.
More open-ended; allows memory content to emerge organically during reprocessing.
ART: (1)
Highly structured and directive approach; can be difficult if client has very high levels of dissociation without prior resourcing.
Often achieves results in 1–5 sessions, depending on the issue.
Uses a technique called Voluntary Image Replacement (VIR) to quickly replace distressing imagery with positive imagery.
Flexibility vs. Standardization:
EMDR:
Offers more flexibility in how memories are processed, which can be helpful in complex or multilayered trauma cases.
Protocol can be adapted based on client needs and trauma complexity.
ART:
More standardized and scripted, making it consistent across therapists but potentially less adaptable in complex cases.
My Experience:
From my own perspective from the couch, I saw many therapists who didn’t have specialized training that could address some traumatic pieces of my life. I was on a hunt to find someone who could provide guidance and healing in this department to lessen my feeling of “drowning in my diagnosis” without any substantial help. EMDR was the best approach that I did with isolated one time incidents to get the hang of how it worked, then stepped into more longer drawn out themes in my life or traumatic events. Yes, I was so grateful for healing and being able to talk about these events without breaking down. However, I knew I dissociated frequently and severely for years to cope with my trauma; that part took several months to manage to be able to target what needed to be processed. Due to EMDR being so successful and seeing the results firsthand, I became trained and certified in EMDR to be able to assist my clients in the same manner.
Later on, I was working for a local police department in conjunction with the fire department, the calls and scenes were abnormal to the regular day-to-day human jobs and I did have some secondary trauma that occurred from that. I saw a therapist who specialized in first responders and she discussed ART as an option for a previous sexual assault that still had a grip on me along with traumatic scenes at work. The therapist explained the process of ART and I did my own research, open to trying something that could address the incident along with making changes to my cognitions and behaviors. After doing one intensive ART session of a traumatic call involving the death of a child; I was able to take my feelings of not doing enough and feelings of hopelessness to feeling content, confident in the abilities I brought and saw the scene differently in my head.
Ultimately, both therapies worked well for me, but the experience with ART was more favorable to process and have quicker relief. I am aware that my own dissociation levels and complex trauma were addressed and handled delicately prior in EMDR which I believe created more space for my brain to handle ART later on. Therefore, I see the benefits of both EMDR and ART and chose to get trained in both modalities to have options to meet clients where they are at.
If you are interested in learning about ART therapy and finding relief in this manner, feel free to reach out to our Arlington, TX office to inquire and discuss how ART therapy can be helpful in processing and healing.
References:
