Trauma and Negative Experiences

I am trained in ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), an evidence-based treatment for trauma and negative life experiences. This method uses rapid eye movements paired with guided imagery. ART sessions are 50-60 minutes long and typically result in the processing of one incident. This therapy technique is shockingly effective for most people and provides relief after the first session. Most people need between 1-3 sessions for one isolated event. It is important to note that as the client, you will always be in control. As the clinician, I am here to guide and support you in dealing with these distressing thoughts and feelings. A big perk to using this method for dealing with trauma and negative experiences - you don’t have to speak about the trauma while re-processing it. As I guide you through the different parts of your distressing memories - you may look at them as quickly as you want - and the therapy will still be effective. This is a huge comfort to most people dealing with post-traumatic stress or flashbacks from negative experiences or feelings.

Who is this therapy for?

This therapy is effective for many different issues. ART is often used to treat:

  • Negative Experiences such as: divorce, break-ups, and distressing relationships (work or personal).

  • PTSD - emergency responders, medical providers, dealing with a chronic heightened level of stress or pressure

  • Childhood abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual)

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Phobias

  • Recovery after pornography addiction (even years of use)

How does this treatment work?

ART uses rapid eye movements combined with guided imagery. This combination allows the brain to take old distressing images, blur them out, and then “wallpaper” over the old traumatic memories with new, pleasant ones. It sounds too good to be true - it is wildly effective. ART does not take away the memory of the facts - it changes the emotional response to the facts and changes the memory into one that can be tolerated or even viewed neutrally or positively. This allows for healing to occur, a resolution to take place, and a new sense of peace and freedom to be felt for the very first time. This model is tremendous for dealing with intrusive images and distressing thoughts.

How many sessions is typical?

Every client is unique, but typically each isolated incident is re-processed in 1-3 sessions (50-60 minutes each). Each session will consist of somatic work - relaxing the body and mind - so when you leave the session you may feel tired, but should feel calm and pleasant.

Please contact me to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation call if you have any questions regarding ART before scheduling.

One of my areas of focus is reducing burnout and trauma for medical professionals.

Physicians, nurses, and medical providers are frequently exposed to traumatic experiences of their patients and carry the weight of being a strong and steady place during those difficult moments.

Providers need a place to put all of the heaviness and trauma that is placed onto them

ART is a wonderful treatment to reduce vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue since it allows the brain to process the negative experiences and essentially wallpaper over them - taking away the negative feelings and sensations associated with the memory. This allows providers to stay sharp and present in their lives and jobs - not being weighed down by the significance of the situations they deal with daily.