Understanding Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for Healing Childhood Trauma
- Audrey Malone, MSW, LCSW
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 13
From Audrey, MSW, LCSW at Be Well Collective
Healing childhood trauma can feel overwhelming—memories, images, and emotions play on repeat. That’s why I often introduce Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) at Be Well Collective: it offers fast relief, fewer sessions, and a deeply supportive process.
ART is a short-term, evidence-based therapy that integrates eye movements, mindfulness, image rescripting, and psychodynamic techniques to transform distressing memories into empowering ones. It was developed in 2008, and practitioners have found clients often feel substantial relief in just 1–5 sessions.
Why ART Is Ideal for Childhood Trauma
Fast & Effective
A 2024 systematic review in PLOS found that ART resulted in large reductions in PTSD, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and general distress—often after just a handful of sessions. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/
A 2013 RCT with veterans reported an average of 3.7 sessions, a 94% completion rate, and significant improvements in PTSD, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related guilt. https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/
One study found a 61% response rate (≥10‑point drop on the PTSD Checklist), outperforming traditional treatments in effectiveness and dropout rates https://counselingcentergroup.com/
What an ART Session Feels Like
We begin with a brief check-in and invite your mind to bring a troubling memory or image.
As you hold that image, your eyes follow my gentle hand movements side‑to‑side—much like REM sleep—helping your brain process that memory. https://positivepsychology.com/
Then comes the magic: you choose a new image—something safe, strong, or comforting—to replace the old memory.
We wrap up by riding that new image until it feels solid: less fear, more calm.
Evidence Snapshot
Study | Key Findings |
PLOS systematic review (2024) | Large PTSD/anxiety/depression/sleep improvements post‑ART https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/ |
Kip et al. RCT (2013) | 3.7 sessions avg, 94% completion, significant symptom drop (p < 0.001) |
Veteran & civilian cohorts | ~61% PCL response, low dropout (~94%) |
⭐️ Who ART Works For ⭐️
ART is ideal if you:
Prefer faster relief rather than extended talk therapy
Respond well to image-based processing
Want evidence-based results from a shorter treatment plan
ART may be less appropriate if you’re experiencing active psychosis or severe dissociation—I’ll help guide you if you have concerns.
How Accelerated Resolution Therapy Fits Into Be Well Collective
At Be Well Collective, ART is part of a holistic path:
Standalone ART sessions for clients wanting focused trauma resolution.
ART + somatic integration—we weave in breathwork, movement, or EMDR to stabilize nervous system processing.
ART + expressive modalities (writing, art therapy, IFS) helps you anchor the new image into your personal story and body.
“When trauma feels stuck in your mind or body, ART helps you give it a new ending—one you get to choose. Watching clients replace old pain with a new, safe memory is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.” - Audrey Malone, MSW, LCSW
Ready to Explore ART?
If you're curious whether ART might be the right fit:
Reach out for a free consult to discuss your goals and what to expect
We can pair ART with other therautic practices to fully support your healing
References:
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