Accelerated Resolution Therapy® (ART)
Dr. Armer is Master Accelerated Resolution Therapy® (ART) Certified. She has trained at both the Basic and Advanced levels. ART is a form of psychotherapy which combines bilateral eye movements with proven therapy techniques (e.g. Gestalt Psychology, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Guided Imagery).
ART can help treat post-traumatic stress disorder. It also treats chronic issues like anxiety, depression, family problems, grief, and chronic pain.
How does ART work?
Moving both eyes to the right and left is called lateral eye movements. When you shift your eyes back and forth without turning your head, it activates both sides of your brain. This process is known as visual bilateral stimulation (BLS).
BLS triggers the parasympathetic nervous system. This system aids in relaxation, digestion, and recovery.
In ART, BLS promotes relaxation that reduces physical sensations like tension, increased heart rate, and stomach upset. These sensations often arise when you think of upsetting situations. Adding visualization, such as picturing a positive scene, to lateral eye movements can change how distressing memories are stored in the brain.
When you reimagine a difficult event positively, it can stop feeling so traumatic.
Without the negative images your brain can recategorize it and store it in the same way that a regular memory is stored in the brain.
You will still remember the facts of the upsetting situation. However, after ART, the memory is stored differently and won’t bring up strong emotions or physical reactions.
Is ART Hypnosis?
Even though ART uses eye movements, it is NOT hypnosis. You are alert and are always in control of the entire ART session. The certified ART practitioner helps guide you through the ART protocol. They also make sure the eye movements help you relax during the process.
Why try ART?
ART can shorten the time needed to feel therapy’s benefits. This makes it more cost-effective.
Significant improvement is usually seen within 1 to 6 sessions. Complex trauma may take longer to heal. However, most people leave ART sessions feeling more positive and calm.
You are free to choose how much to reveal about your traumatic experience. Your choice is important. If you don’t want to share details about your trauma, that’s okay. It won’t affect your healing process with ART.
You do not have to talk about your trauma or upsetting situations with the trained ART therapist. You can picture situations in your mind as the therapist guides you through the ART protocol. This can help a lot if discussing your tough experiences with others brings up strong feelings or physical reactions.
You can control which parts of the trauma to process. You can decide to focus on only the most challenging parts that represent your trauma. You do not need to focus on every single upsetting experience for ART to create healing.
Is ART evidence-based?
ART has been recognized as an effective treatment for psychological trauma and depression. The Society of Clinical Psychology, Division 12 of the APA, recognizes it as an evidence-based treatment. It is also based on techniques from proven treatments, like exposure and cognitive behavioral therapy.
If you want to learn more about ART research check out the International Society of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (IS-ART). Their website has information and links to the research on ART.
For more information, visit Accelerated Resolution Therapy® or check out the ART brochure.
Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy®(ART)
the same as
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)?
ART
EMDR
Guidance
ART uses guidance.
Guidance
EMDR provides little guidance.
THERAPIST ROLE
ART uses a directive approach with scripts to guide each session to closure.
THERAPIST ROLE
EMDR encourages free association which may be disorienting. Can lead to a lack of closure between sessions.
Approach
ART uses systematic approaches and scripts. Leads to greater outcome predictability.
Approach
EMDR is not a regimented approach; no two treatment sessions will be the same.
Eye Movements
ART's movements are consistent so patients can specifically focus on the issue.
Eye Movements
EMDR's eye movements are unpredictable; speed is alternated and adjusted to distract from focusing on the issue.
EXPLORING MeaningS
ART asks individuals to think about meaning (therapists may offer suggestions) and frequently uses metaphors.
Exploring Meanings
EMDR does not ask meaning behind symbols, images, or why things came up.
SPEED OF RESOLUTION
ART is designed so that the treatment can be fully completed as quickly as possible, usually in 1-6 sessions. This decreases potential distress between sessions.
SPEED OF RESOLUTION
EMDR can take between 6-12 sessions.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Brightways Psychology is focused on providing the best care that is customized to your needs. Insurance usually has limits, like the number of sessions allowed. It also requires a lot of administrative work. In some cases, billing issues or clawbacks may arise. Brightways Psychology, being a small practice, lacks the admin support needed to submit and track claims for reimbursement. This takes a lot of time and limits how many people we can assist. So, Brightways Psychology is not “in network” with any health insurance providers. Being “out of network” gives us more flexibility. We can decide together how many sessions you need and how those sessions will take place, such as through telehealth or in person.
If you are curious, this NPR article presents an accurate description of the issues mental health practitioners face when dealing with insurance companies: Finding a therapist who takes your insurance can be nearly impossible. Here’s why
This article describes how joining a venture capital-backed mental health company (i.e. Alma, Headway, BetterHelp, Grow, Rula etc.) so that insurance can be billed also may not be in the patient’s or the mental health practitioner’s best interest: Let’s run away together: I’m a therapist leaving venture capital-backed mental health.
Check with your health insurance provider about your “out-of-network behavioral health coverage.” Also, find out if you need to meet your annual deductible before getting coverage. Here are some CPT codes to note:
-90791 for the first session
-90834 for 50-minute sessions
-90837 for 60-90 minute sessions
If you have a PPO plan that covers some “out of network” fees for behavioral health, Brightways Psychology will give you a “Superbill.” You can submit this to your insurance for reimbursement.
A “Superbill” is a monthly statement. It shows the clinical services you received. You can use it to get reimbursed by your insurance for fees you’ve already paid.
For more information, download this document. It has questions and tips to help you talk about your out-of-network mental health coverage with your insurance provider.
Fees for 50-minute psychotherapy sessions are $250.00. This is based on common rates for psychologists in the San Francisco Bay Area. The session usually requires about 90 minutes, so we will prorate the fee to $450.00. Brightways Psychology does not offer sliding scale.
Your appointment time is set aside for you. If you miss your appointment and don’t cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours ahead, you must pay a fee. This policy is in place because Brightways Psychology cannot fill your spot on short notice.
California residents can meet virtually using a HIPAA compliant platform like Zoom. You will receive a link for the session in advance.
If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area and prefer in-person meetings, you have that option. If you can’t find a private spot for a virtual session, come to California Ave in Palo Alto on Thursdays.
If you think Accelerated Resolution Therapy® is right for you after we talk by phone, you’ll receive an email. This email invites you to set up an account with Brightways Psychology’s patient portal. This system keeps all your paperwork private and secure.
When you accept the patient portal invite, you need to complete your background information. You’ll also sign forms to agree to therapy policies and fees. These forms may take time to read. They aim to give you clear and transparent information. This way, you can make an informed choice about engaging in therapy.
After you finish the paperwork, Brightways Psychology will reach out to set up your first session.
The first session will focus on gathering information. We’ll review your medical and mental health history. We’ll also check your family history and current symptoms or concerns. We will keep this information confidential unless you risk harming yourself or others. We will use it to find the best treatment for you. You can also ask questions about the practice policies. You’ll have an opportunity to practice the eye movements used in ART. This session may take up to 90 minutes.
After the intake session, the initial ART session tends to take the longest. It is a different type of therapy, so it can take extra time to adjust. It lasts about 90 minutes. However, it’s good to plan for 120 minutes for the first ART session. This way, you won’t feel rushed.
Once you get the hang of the eye movements and the format, later sessions can take less time. They might last about 60 minutes instead of 90, depending on what you want to focus on. ART may need 1 to 6 sessions. The exact number of sessions depends on the trauma. Often, one trauma can be processed in a single session. But more complex trauma may need several sessions. This depends on how quickly you process it. You are in control of the processing pace.