My Accelerated Resolution Therapy Story
Accelerated Resolution Therapy is described by ART International as “combining distinct features of evidence-based psychotherapy including rapid eye movement (REM), voluntary memory and image replacement to reprogram traumatic memories that trigger strong physical reactions like depression, isolation, crying, insomnia, fear, anger and troubling memories. Due to the forward momentum of the protocol, the patient does not experience troubling memories for a protracted period of time. Narration is not required which may offer patients a greater sense of safety and control than in other trauma-focused therapies.”
I’ve studied at The Centre for Solution Focused Practice in London, the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney in Australia, and been deployed with the Red Cross as a crisis mental health specialist. I was required to practice counseling for 3000 hours before I could be fully licensed, and then I had to wait and practice for another FIVE YEARS before I could become a supervisor. I have some time and experience under my belt, but I was shocked and fascinated by my own personal experience with accelerated resolution therapy. Here’s a recap:
2016 - received several EMDR treatments for a past trauma that left me more raw than ever and I said, “Nope - not doing that again. I do not have time to be that upset after a therapy session.”
Feb 2018 - My husband and I attended a retreat for veterans with PTSD and their spouses. As part of this retreat, they offered some voodoo called Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Me being me, I said, “We gotta do it. It’s part of the experience!!!” So we did.
One Session
Every trauma symptom associated with PTSD for this trauma - gone. Not another nightmare. No fight, flight, freeze, fawn. Poof! Disappeared. I did not believe it was possible, but it changed the trajectory of our lives completely.
“The most difficult aspect of
discussing ART is the fact that it
sounds too good to be true.”
Aug 2018 - Trained in ART Basic by the same place that generously provided the retreat. It changed everything. Forward Momentum.
Sept 2018 - Formed Hope Place Counseling Services, PLLC with the idea of using SFBT and ART
Jan 2019 - Construction began on The Hope Place. I continued to treat clients using SFBT and ART with results I still have trouble believing.
Aug 2019 - Opened the doors for The Hope Place - just me, but I did bring on a child therapist shortly after.
Then - 2020
Now mostly through 2021, we have 5 therapists. By the end of 2021, we will ALL be ART trained. This weekend, Cameron and I finished the Advanced/Enhanced ART training, and The Hope Place plans to host the basic training in October of this year.
So far, the research shows, “Depending on the severity of the memory, most images can be reprogrammed in 1-5 sessions, with an average of less than 4.” If you’ve had any trauma training in the last decade you know how insane that sounds. EMDR is typically 6 to 12 sessions by comparison, but the drop out rate (me) is much higher than ART. Therapy doesn’t work if you don’t go, but also - it doesn’t have to be so painful that you want to avoid it.
I’m not up to date or involved in the politics surrounding EMDR vs ART vs other forms of therapy. Nor do I care to be. The Hope Place is centered on discovering and doing more of what works and less of what doesn’t. Arguing the finer points falls under the less of what works category. Laney’s TEDtalk is below. Enjoy.
