Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) are two forms of therapy designed for the treatment of trauma and PTSD.
They are both beneficial to someone who has experienced distressing events and struggles with symptoms of shame, guilt, depression, anxiety, and flashbacks. Both therapies are similar in that they help process trauma, making it easier to work through emotional distress.
However, there are some key differences that might make one a better fit. Understanding the difference between EMDR and ART is the first step in deciding which treatment option is best for you.
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
ART is a new form of therapy designed to treat trauma. It is different than “Art Therapy”, where patients use drawings or paintings to express trauma. ART aims to reduce emotional distress. It uses eye movements to stimulate deep regions of the brain that hold trauma.
During an ART session, your therapist will use a technique called “imaginal exposure”. This is where the patient is asked to imagine the traumatic event in a less distressing way. The therapist will then use eye movements to help the patient process and integrate this memory. ART will also focus on a positive memory to replace the traumatic one.
Benefits of ART
ART can reduce symptoms of trauma and replace the memory of trauma altogether. Rather than just working through the emotional distress of the memory, ART will have the client focus on a positive memory as a replacement. One benefit of ART is that it does not require the patient to recall the memory out loud.
This can be helpful for patients who have trouble verbalizing their experiences. Lastly, the benefit of ART is that it can provide quick relief. Many clients report a reduction of symptoms after just a few sessions.
What ART Can Be Used For
ART can be used for several mental health disorders and specifically for trauma syndromes. This can include Acute Stress Disorder, PTSD, Complex Trauma, and Dissociative Identity Disorder. It can also be used as an effective treatment for other anxiety-related disorders such as phobias, panic disorders, and performance anxiety.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy used to treat trauma and PTSD. It follows a structured, 8-step approach to help guide patients through traumatic experiences and make it easier to process emotional distress.
Therapists will induce bilateral stimulation of the brain using eye movements and tapping sounds. EMDR helps reprocess memories of trauma and desensitize them so they don´t hold so much control over the mind and body.
EMDR has great results in reducing symptoms of trauma such as depression, anxiety, shame, nightmares, and flashbacks.
ART vs EMDR: Back to Back Comparison
| ART vs EMDR | ART | EMDR |
| Focus | Replace traumatic memory with a positive one | Reframes memories to desensitize them |
| Speed | Tends to be quicker than EMDR with patients reporting relief after 1-2 sessions | Requires multiple sessions to achieve results |
| Approach | Pulls from a variety of therapies including EMDR, CBT, and guided imagery | Follows a structured approach with 8 phases |
Which One Is Best For You?
Understanding the key differences between these can help decide which one would benefit you. If you are looking for quick relief, ART may be a better option as it requires fewer sessions to see results. ART also does not require memory recall, which may be better for patients who struggle to verbalize their experiences.
For a more structured approach, EMDR may be a better fit. EMDR is also more widely available and likely to be covered by insurance.
Trauma Therapy in Utah
Harper Clinic is a state-of-the-art functional medicine clinic treating mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Our compassionate team offers trauma-informed therapies such as ART and EMDR to help manage symptoms and target the root of trauma.
