What to Expect in a Virtual ART Session
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an evidence-based trauma treatment model that is approved for telehealth. This increases the reach of ART and allows for clients to experience accelerated healing in the comfort of their home.
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?
ART is a structured form of therapy (60 - 90 minutes) using bilateral eye movements or sounds to process traumatic events and stressors. ART typically involves 1-5 sessions, and some individuals report experiencing relief after just 3 sessions. As a a licensed therapist, I actually believe life is meant to be lived, not over-analyzed. My passion is helping clients find resolution, using effective techniques to foster resilience and much-needed healing. I am constantly impressed by the rapid relief individuals experience after completing ART.
I not only use ART for trauma, but for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, phobias, and situational stressors.
What does an ART session involve?
One of the key components of ART is eye movements. In person, an ART practitioner will wave their hand or a baton rapidly in front of the client’s eyes. These eye movements are also integral to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting. The eye movements are similar to what we experience in sleep with rapid eye movements (REM), when the brain is processing through dreams. This is paired with the processing of emotions and sensations related to the clients’ presenting concern.
Eye Movements: The eye movements are very calming, and help you reprocess distressing images and memories. Think of them as a tool to help your brain reorganize and make sense of difficult experiences.
Voluntary Image Replacement (VIP): This process involves careful guidance through a series of steps in which we replace distressing images with positive ones. This does not change the memory or create a false one, but simply changes how the brain stores the memories emotionally, thus reducing the emotional impact of the memory.
Nonverbal: With ART, you do not have to tell me anything you do not choose to, which saves you the emotional labor of disclosing past traumatic memories and can help reduce the potential for re-traumatization.
No AI: A new question I hear is, “Why should I come to you for therapy when ChatGPT will tell me this stuff for free?” Well, here’s some good news: ART cannot be replicated by any of the various therapy AI programs out there. It is a protocol that can only be obtained by working with a trained ART provider.
How to prepare for a virtual ART session
Getting setup for ART involves a few important steps to ensure a smooth session. Distractions can eat up into processing time and could possibly impact the effectiveness of the treatment.
Find a safe and quiet spot.
Choose a comfortable space where you will not be disturbed. While your pets and babies are usually welcome in my teletherapy space, it is highly recommended that they do not attend your ART session with you. The goal is to create a space where you can focus and not have distractions. Ensure that your seat allows you to comfortably sit upright.
Have the proper technology ready.
For an ART session, access to steady, reliable internet is crucial. My internet is connected to the modem via ethernet to ensure steady connection. A computer, tablet, or laptop with a microphone and camera is ideal. Test your equipment and connection beforehand so you are not feeling interrupted by tech issues in your session. Have your headphones within reach (and charged if they are wireless) to improve your audio quality and enhance your privacy.
Protect your privacy.
Inform those around you that you will need privacy to do your ART session. Make sure your devices are set to not alert you to any notifications during your session time. This will help keep your brain focused and engaged.
Conclusion
Virtual ART therapy is designed to integrate into your everyday life, offering you flexibility and convenience. No matter where you are in the state of Minnesota, my virtual door is open. By offering it online, it’s possible for you to experience the benefits of therapy without the need for commuting to an office.
If you’re ready to take this next step and move towards an authentic, connected life, I invite you to connect with me about my ART services.