ART Therapy
Therapist Availability:
Maurine Agoawike
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Fast, Focused Healing for Trauma and Emotional Distress
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an innovative, evidence-based approach designed to help people heal from trauma and other emotional challenges—often in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy. It’s a structured, eye-movement therapy that helps you process distressing memories and feelings in a safe and empowering way.
If you’re carrying the weight of painful experiences, intrusive memories, or intense emotions, ART offers a compassionate and efficient path toward relief and resolution.
How Does ART Work?
ART uses specific techniques including eye movements, imagery rescripting, and relaxation strategies to help you:
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Reduce emotional intensity from distressing memories
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Replace negative images and sensations with ones that feel more manageable
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Let go of physical reactions (like tightness, nausea, or panic) associated with trauma
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Reprocess stuck or looping thoughts
Unlike traditional talk therapy, ART doesn’t require you to share every detail of your experience out loud. You remain in control and aware throughout the process, and many people feel lighter—even after a single session.
What ART Can Help With
ART was originally developed for trauma and PTSD but is now used to address a wide range of concerns, including:
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PTSD and complex trauma
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Grief and loss
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Anxiety and panic
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Depression
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Phobias
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Relationship pain or breakups
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Low self-esteem
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Performance anxiety
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Nightmares or sleep disturbances
What to Expect in a Session
ART sessions are often described as both structured and gentle. Your therapist will guide you through a process that uses eye movements to reduce the emotional intensity of troubling images or sensations. You’ll work together to “rescript” painful or stuck images with new ones that feel more empowering, calm, or neutral.
Most people report relief in just 1–5 sessions, depending on the issue.
You don’t need to relive every detail or tell your story repeatedly. The process respects your privacy while still addressing the emotional impact of your experiences.
How Is ART Different from EMDR?
Both ART and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) use eye movements to support trauma processing—but they differ in structure and technique.
Here’s how ART stands apart:
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Faster Resolution: ART is designed to bring relief more quickly, often in just 1–5 sessions.
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Highly Directive and Structured: ART sessions follow a clear, step-by-step protocol led by the therapist, helping you reach your goals efficiently.
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Imagery Rescripting: ART guides you to voluntarily replace distressing images with more calming or empowering ones, often without needing to discuss traumatic content in depth.
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Less Verbal Processing Required: Unlike EMDR, which often involves detailed verbal processing of the memory, ART allows you to keep details private if you choose—making it especially helpful for those who find talking about trauma overwhelming.
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Physical Symptom Relief: ART places emphasis on resolving the body-based symptoms of trauma alongside emotional distress.
Both modalities are effective, but ART may be the right fit if you’re looking for a structured, brief, and less verbal method of healing.
Why Choose ART at Alberta Psychology Group?
At Alberta Psychology Group, we specialize in trauma-informed care and understand that healing doesn’t always look the same for everyone. ART fits beautifully with our approach because it:
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Prioritizes your sense of safety and control
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Helps you process trauma without becoming overwhelmed
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Offers relief more quickly than many traditional therapies
Whether you’ve been through a single traumatic event or are carrying the weight of years of emotional pain, ART offers a hopeful path forward. You don’t have to stay stuck. We’re here to walk with you through the process of healing.
Start Your Healing Journey with ART Today
If you’re ready to free yourself from the effects of trauma or other distressing experiences, ART therapy at Alberta Psychology Group can help. Our experienced therapists are here to guide you through the healing process, helping you move toward a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Reach out to Alberta Psychology Group to schedule a consultation and learn more about how ART therapy can help you process trauma, reduce anxiety, and achieve emotional healing.