When talking about Accelerated Resolution Therapy vs EMDR, both offer significant benefits, but each has unique techniques that cater to different needs in trauma therapy. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are both proven and provide treatments for PTSD and trauma-related symptoms. The National Center for PTSD estimates that 7-8% of people will experience PTSD in their lifetime.
ART replaces disturbing images with positive ones, while EMDR reduces distress and reprocesses trauma. Both use eye movements to address traumatic experiences.
In this episode of The HealingUs Podcast, Dr. Ed Ratush discusses overcoming withdrawal and stressing honesty and commitment in treatment. He highlights some effective therapies for trauma and recovery and discusses tracking progress and using technology to aid the healing process.
In this blog, learn about the significant difference between Accelerated Resolution Therapy vs EMDR, their core concepts, and which one is right for you.
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) uses 40 specific eye movements to treat trauma symptoms quickly, typically within 1 to 5 one-hour sessions over three weeks. Developed from EMDR, ART shares similarities but often works faster due to its time-limited approach. Its goal is to reduce distressing sensations and anxiety by replacing disturbing images with positive ones, making it practical for treating PTSD, complicated grief, and other trauma-related issues.
Core Concepts of ART:
1. Reconsolidating Memories
ART focuses on replacing disturbing images with positive ones, unlike EMDR, which aims to desensitize the memory.
2. Rapid Transition
ART helps clients quickly move from negative, traumatic memories to a more positive state.
3. Structured Eye Movements
The therapy uses a fixed number of 40 eye movements during the recall of traumatic memories, following a strict protocol.
4. Regular Reassessment
Sensations and images are regularly reassessed throughout the process to check for changes in the level of disturbance.
5. Successful Treatment
Treatment is considered successful when the client no longer feels distress associated with the memory. Each traumatic memory, or “scene,” is treated as a separate, stand-alone process.
What is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy)?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is based on the Adaptive Information Processing model, which suggests that trauma symptoms stem from dysfunctionally stored memories. The goal of EMDR is to reprocess these memories using an eight-phase treatment protocol, linking traumatic memories with positive information to help heal.
Core Concepts of EMDR
1. Memory Storage
EMDR focuses on how memories are stored, aiming to link and reconsolidate negative memories with positive information.
2. Preparation
Before trauma processing, the clinician helps the client build coping skills and calm their nervous system through guided imagery and bilateral stimulation.
3. Window of Tolerance
Clinicians ensure that the client can manage the traumatic memory without feeling overwhelmed, keeping it within their “window of tolerance.”
4. Target Memory
In EMDR, a target memory includes images, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations reprocessed using bilateral stimulation.
5. Bilateral Stimulation
Slow bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) is used for preparation, while faster stimulation reprocesses memories.
6. Eight-Phase Approach
EMDR is an eight-phase treatment, including history-taking, preparation, memory reprocessing, and reevaluation, and is a complete therapeutic method, not just a trauma technique.
What’s the difference between Accelerated Resolution Therapy vs EMDR Therapy?
Both Accelerated Resolution Therapy vs EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) utilize eye movements to help individuals process trauma, but the key difference lies in their approach.
ART is designed to be more direct and rapid, as suggested by its name. While EMDR typically guides you through the entire traumatic event, often in chronological order, ART focuses on a singular traumatic image. ART also emphasizes active body regulation, helping you replace the negative image with a positive one through a more physical, body-aware approach.
EMDR, on the other hand, centers more on cognitive processing. It works by guiding you to replace negative thoughts with positive ones, with the therapist helping you reprocess traumatic memories and beliefs. This method addresses the way trauma is stored in the brain, which can sometimes lead to a disconnection between the actual event and how the brain remembers it.
In contrast, ART is visually oriented, asking you to replace negative images with positive ones or metaphors. During an ART session, there’s a stronger emphasis on checking in with your body and describing any sensations, allowing you to maintain greater control throughout the process.
Key Differences:
- ART focuses on images and body sensations, often resolving trauma in one session.
- EMDR focuses on thoughts and takes place over multiple sessions, following a step-by-step approach.
In short, ART is faster and more visual, while EMDR is more detailed and cognitive.
Which one is best for you?
Time plays a crucial role when choosing between Accelerated Resolution Therapy vs EMDR. ART is faster, making it ideal for those who need quick results or have limited time. Since each ART session stands alone, it works well for people who don’t need help regularly or have gaps between sessions.
EMDR, on the other hand, takes longer and is better for those with complex issues who need a more in-depth, long-term approach. If one method doesn’t work, you can always try the other or work with a different therapist.
FAQs: Accelerated Resolution Therapy vs EMDR
Que: What’s the difference between Rapid Eye Therapy and EMDR?
Ans: Rapid Eye Therapy (RRT) addresses a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues using various techniques, while EMDR specifically focuses on processing traumatic memories through eye movements.
Que: Which is more effective, EMDR or EFT?
Ans: Both EMDR and EFT are adequate, with similar results. However, slightly more patients show significant improvement with EMDR.
Que: Which is more effective, Accelerated Resolution Therapy vs EMDR?
Ans: EMDR and ART are both effective for treating trauma, though they use different methods. Both can help reduce trauma symptoms.
Que: Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy the same as EMDR?
Ans: ART is faster and more focused on specific images, while EMDR takes you through the entire traumatic event in order.
Que: What are the weaknesses of EMDR?
Ans: EMDR is only effective for trauma-related conditions, and the exact reason it works is still theoretical. Additionally, it’s a relatively new method.
Conclusion
Accelerated Resolution Therapy vs EMDR are both evidence-based therapies that use eye movements to help process traumatic events. Although they approach trauma treatment differently, both methods effectively address trauma symptoms.
The choice between ART and EMDR depends on individual needs and preferences. ART offers a quicker, more focused approach, while EMDR provides a comprehensive, in-depth process. Both therapies are valuable tools in managing and healing from trauma, and the best option often depends on the specific context and goals of the treatment.
