What is ART?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy is a therapy technique that helps to restore mental health by working to reduce or eliminate the physical reactivity associated with distressing memories or images and changing the way distressing images are stored in the brain. The images are tied to sensations and emotions; the sensations and emotions cause symptoms. If we can change the images, we eliminate the symptoms.

What is ART helpful for treating?

- Abuse and Neglect

- Anxiety

- Depression

- Family Issues

- Grief

- Job-related Stress

- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

- Pain Management

- Performance Anxiety/Sports Anxiety

- Phobias

- Poor Self Image

- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD

How does it work?

ART uses rapid eye movements similar to eye movements that occur during dreaming. During REM sleep, your brain and body are energized and dreaming occurs. REM is thought to be involved in the process of storing memories, learning, and balancing your mood.

Unlike traditional talk therapies, ART does not require clients to recount their troubling memories. This can be great relief for those who prefer not to talk about their experiences because they may find them so upsetting.

What can I expect during an ART session?

During an ART session, your therapist will facilitate eye movement by moving their hand back and forth in front of your eyes. Your eyes moving like this helps your brainwave frequency to slow so you are able to more easily access memories.

Once accessed, we use "Voluntary Image Replacement" to allow you to form more favorable, less painful versions of these memories.

It is common for patients to report that memories are less vivid, more distant, or are harder to focus on once they are processed using ART protocol. You will continue to have the knowledge and facts of the memory, but will lose the pain associated with it.

How do I schedule ART sessions?

ART sessions are available through Dr. Kimberly Christensen and Alyson Laidlaw, MS, LMFT.

If you are an established patient of Dr. Christensen or Alyson Laidlaw, MS, LMFT you may discuss ART at your next therapy appointment to determine if it is a treatment option.

New patients interested in ART sessions can contact us at (320)281-3338 and speak to a behavioral health coordinator to schedule a New Patient Diagnostic Assessment.

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