Is There a Difference Between EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?

Written By Core Psychology

Imagine you're carrying around emotional baggage from past experiences—thoughts, feelings, and memories that keep you stuck and affect your present well-being. If this resonates with you, you might be seeking a way to finally process and release these emotional burdens. Two therapies that have gained recognition for their effectiveness in helping people heal from trauma are EMDR therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). But if you're trying to choose the best approach for you, you may be wondering: What’s the difference between EMDR and ART, and which one is right for me?

Let’s break down the key differences and similarities between these two therapies to help you make an informed decision.

The Problem: Struggling with Trauma and Emotional Pain

Whether you're dealing with past trauma, anxiety, or stress, emotional pain can disrupt your life and well-being. The goal of trauma therapy is to help individuals process distressing experiences so that they can move forward without being haunted by them.

But with so many therapeutic approaches available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. How do you know which treatment will work best for your specific needs?

Both EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) are effective therapies that target trauma, stress, and emotional pain. While we specialize in EMDR therapy, understanding the difference between these therapies can help you decide which approach may work for you, whether you choose EMDR or explore ART elsewhere.

Understanding EMDR and ART

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is a well-established therapeutic technique used to help people process and heal from trauma. Developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro, EMDR therapy focuses on reprocessing traumatic memories and distressing emotions that become “stuck” in the brain. During EMDR, bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) is used to help the brain process these memories and integrate them more effectively.

The key premise of EMDR is that disturbing memories and emotions related to trauma can cause ongoing psychological distress. By reprocessing these memories, EMDR helps individuals shift their emotional responses, improving their ability to cope with distressing triggers.

What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a relatively newer therapy that also targets trauma and emotional distress. ART was developed by Dr. Laney Rosenzweig in 2008 and shares some similarities with EMDR, but with important differences in approach and techniques.

Like EMDR, ART also uses eye movements (or other forms of bilateral stimulation) to help process traumatic memories. However, ART is typically faster and more focused on rapid resolution of symptoms. ART sessions are often shorter (usually 1-5 sessions) than EMDR, and the therapy is designed to provide quicker emotional relief and a greater sense of closure on painful memories.

One of the most unique aspects of ART is its use of "imaginal rescripting," where clients visualize their trauma memories and replace distressing images with new, more empowering ones. This technique is designed to create a sense of emotional and psychological relief, often in a much shorter period than traditional trauma therapies.

How Are EMDR and ART Different?

While both EMDR and ART aim to resolve trauma, they differ in a few key areas. Let’s take a look:

1. Length of Treatment

  • EMDR: Generally requires more sessions (typically 8-12) for full resolution of trauma. Each session often focuses on processing a specific memory or group of memories, which can take time.

  • ART: Designed to work more quickly, with some clients experiencing relief in 1-5 sessions. The therapy’s aim is to rapidly address distressing memories and symptoms.

2. Treatment Focus

  • EMDR: Focuses on processing and reprocessing traumatic memories and emotions. The therapy uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain “reprocess” the memories, leading to long-term emotional healing.

  • ART: Focuses on rapid resolution of trauma-related symptoms. While it also targets past trauma, ART places a heavy emphasis on visualization techniques to provide a sense of closure and relief.

3. Approach to Trauma

  • EMDR: Focuses more on the memory itself—bringing up specific memories, identifying the emotions associated with them, and using bilateral stimulation to process and reduce their emotional charge.

  • ART: Often uses imaginal rescripting (a type of visualization technique) to “rewrite” memories in a way that reduces emotional pain. ART is typically more directive in its approach and may incorporate guided imagery to provide a sense of closure and relief.

4. Sessions and Techniques

  • EMDR: Sessions involve a specific structure, starting with history-taking, preparation, desensitization (processing memories), installation (of positive beliefs), and body scan (releasing any residual tension). Bilateral stimulation is the key component of the processing phase.

  • ART: ART is more brief and focused on specific techniques to achieve fast results. It uses eye movements and other bilateral stimulation, but its focus is more on immediate symptom relief and creating emotional closure.

Why Choose EMDR Therapy for Trauma

Both EMDR and ART offer unique benefits for people struggling with trauma and emotional distress, but if you’re considering EMDR therapy, here’s what you can expect:

  • EMDR provides long-term relief from trauma and emotional distress, focusing on healing the root causes of your pain, rather than just managing symptoms.

  • EMDR is an evidence-based therapy, widely studied and recognized for its effectiveness in helping individuals process trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.

  • With EMDR therapy, you can expect customized treatment based on your specific needs, where each session is designed to target the memories and emotions that are most relevant to your healing journey.

  • EMDR is designed for lasting results, giving you the tools to process emotions and memories in a healthy way that can improve emotional regulation and reduce triggers over time.

Ready to Find Healing Through EMDR?

If you’re struggling with trauma, emotional pain, or stress and want to know more about how EMDR can help, reach out today to schedule a consultation. Our experienced therapists specialize in EMDR therapy and are here to guide you on your healing journey. Take the first step towards emotional freedom and resolution. We’re here to help you reclaim your life from the effects of trauma.

Ready to take the first step?

Booking your first appointment is simple. Reach out today.

📞 Call: 403.488.8912
📧 Email: admin@corepsychology.com
📍 Visit Us in Marda Loop, Calgary

Core Psychology
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