How to Prepare for an Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Session
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a powerful, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that helps individuals process traumatic memories and other emotional issues quickly and effectively—often in just a few sessions. If you're scheduled for your first ART session, you might be feeling curious, hopeful, or even a bit anxious. That’s completely normal.
Here’s how you can prepare mentally, emotionally, and practically to get the most out of your session.
1. Understand What ART Is (and Isn’t)
ART is a unique therapy that blends elements of traditional talk therapy with eye movement techniques, guided visualization, and memory reconsolidation. It is not hypnosis and does not require you to re-tell your trauma in detail. This can be especially comforting if you’re someone who struggles with talking about past experiences.
The goal of ART is to change how distressing memories are stored in the brain, allowing you to feel better without being re-triggered by those memories.
2. Set Clear Intentions
Before your session, reflect on what you’d like to work on. It could be:
A traumatic memory or series of events
Ongoing anxiety or panic
Phobias
Grief or loss
Negative self-beliefs
You don’t need to have the perfect words—just have a general idea. Your therapist will guide you the rest of the way.
3. Dress Comfortably
ART often involves eye movement exercises, so comfort is key. Wear clothes that allow you to relax, sit comfortably, and breathe easily. Sessions typically last 60–75 minutes, so you’ll want to be as physically at ease as possible.
4. Come with an Open Mind
ART can be surprisingly effective and fast-acting, but everyone’s experience is different. Some people feel immediate relief, while others may notice shifts over the next few days. Try not to overthink or analyze the process—just be present and allow it to unfold.
5. Don’t Worry About “Doing It Right”
Your therapist is trained to guide you through the entire process, including the eye movements, visualizations, and narrative shifts. You don't need any prior experience with therapy or visualization techniques. There’s no “wrong” way to do ART.
6. Take Care of Yourself Afterwards
After a session, you might feel tired, calm, emotional, or lighter than usual. Give yourself some buffer time before jumping back into work or social obligations. A quiet walk, journaling, or simply resting can help your body and mind integrate the work.
7. Trust the Process
It’s okay if it feels a bit strange or different from other forms of therapy you’ve tried. ART’s effectiveness lies in how it helps your brain “update” old distressing memories with new, healthier perspectives—without having to re-live the pain.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for your ART session doesn’t require a deep dive into your trauma or hours of journaling—just a bit of mindfulness, openness, and self-compassion. Whether this is your first step into therapy or part of a longer healing journey, ART can be a transformative experience.
If you're feeling nervous, that’s normal. You’re stepping into a space designed for healing—and that’s incredibly brave.
