About Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy combines eye movements with imagery techniques to help process distressing memories. While our network of ART-trained therapists is growing, you can explore therapists who offer related trauma-focused approaches.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a relatively new evidence-based approach developed in 2008 that uses voluntary eye movements combined with visualization techniques to help people process traumatic memories and reduce psychological distress. Unlike traditional talk therapy, ART focuses on changing the way distressing images and sensations are stored in the brain, often without requiring detailed verbal recounting of traumatic experiences.
ART draws on elements from established therapies including EMDR and cognitive behavioural approaches, while offering its own structured protocol. Many people find it helpful for processing trauma, managing anxiety, addressing phobias, and working through grief. First Session's growing network includes therapists who specialize in trauma-focused work. If you're interested in ART specifically, you may also want to explore therapists offering EMDR or other trauma-informed approaches, as these share similar foundations and therapeutic goals.
Katie Harry

Katie Harry

Therapy is hard work.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses guided eye movements and imagery rescripting to help people process distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact. Developed by clinician Laney Rosenzweig in 2008, ART is designed to help people work through traumatic experiences relatively quickly compared to some traditional approaches. The therapy involves following the therapist's hand movements with your eyes while recalling and then mentally transforming distressing images into more neutral or positive ones.
ART is commonly used to support people experiencing post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and other forms of psychological distress. It may also be helpful for performance enhancement, relationship difficulties, and processing difficult life events. Because ART focuses on how memories are stored rather than requiring extensive verbal processing, some people find it particularly helpful when they have difficulty talking about their experiences in detail.
While both ART and EMDR use eye movements as part of their therapeutic approach, they differ in several ways. ART uses a more structured protocol and emphasizes Voluntary Image Replacement, where distressing mental images are actively replaced with preferred alternatives. ART sessions are often designed to achieve resolution within one to five sessions. Both approaches have research supporting their effectiveness for trauma, and many therapists are trained in one or both methods.
First Session's network of ART-trained therapists is currently growing. In the meantime, you can browse therapists who offer trauma-focused approaches, including EMDR, somatic experiencing, or other evidence-based trauma therapies. Many of these approaches share similar therapeutic foundations. You can use First Session's filters to find therapists who specialize in trauma, watch their intro videos to learn about their approach, and book directly online when you find a good fit.
If you're interested in ART, you may also benefit from exploring related modalities. EMDR therapy uses similar eye movement techniques and is widely available. Somatic therapies focus on the body's role in processing trauma. Brainspotting is another eye-position-based approach. Cognitive processing therapy and other trauma-informed methods can also support healing from distressing experiences. A therapist can help you determine which approach might work best for your specific needs.
First Session connects you with licensed therapists across Canada who offer various forms of trauma-focused support. You can filter by specialty, watch therapist intro videos to get a sense of their style and approach, and book appointments directly online. All therapists on the platform have their credentials verified during onboarding. If you're unsure where to start, browsing therapists who specialize in trauma or anxiety can help you find professionals who use approaches similar to ART.
