Accelerated resolution therapy or ART is a therapeutic protocol used in the treatment of mental and emotional trauma. The National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP) part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), found Accelerated Analysis Therapy to be an effective psychotherapy for PTSD, depression, stress, and personal resilience . ART was also classified as a promising treatment for symptoms of phobia, panic, anxiety, sleep and wakefulness disorders, disruptive and antisocial behaviors, general functioning, and well-being.
Those suffering from PTSD caused by severe trauma such as sexual or physical assault, combat experiences, accidents, or the sudden death of a loved one can benefit from art therapy. The sessions work to relieve PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks and nightmares, angry outbursts, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, as well as feelings of depression and isolation.
Recent research has highlighted the fact that PTSD can also result from less dramatic life events, such as harmful experiences during childhood. In some cases, these can cause even more PTSD symptoms and major traumas such as combat or terrorist attacks.
In both cases, once trauma has occurred, there is a disruption in the way the brain processes information. In a “normal” brain that has not experienced a traumatic event, the processing systems assimilate information about what has been experienced and make the appropriate connections. Those reactions to the event that are no longer useful, any emotions or physical sensations, are released.
Accelerated analysis therapy can be an effective protocol for treating unprocessed memories of the past that poison the present. ART is able to remove the anxiety, fear, and sadness that caused individuals to avoid or overreact to situations.
ART techniques allow individuals to identify the early memories that are at the root of their problems and change their emotions, thoughts and even the physical sensation surrounding them. These same techniques can also help people achieve desired goals by understanding why they do what they do and how they can better manage their lives and their own behaviors.
ART is used to treat a variety of issues including: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Complicated Grief, Disturbing Memories, Phobias, Pain Disorders, Performance Anxiety, Sexual and/or Physical Abuse.
If you or a loved one suffers from any of the above and think you may benefit from ART, please contact me. I would be happy to discuss how I and this particular treatment approach could help.
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