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What Is the Difference Between EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy | Calgary Institute of Counselling

By  //  December 9, 2024

When grappling with the effects of trauma, finding the right therapy can feel overwhelming. Amidst the numerous treatment options available, two approaches stand out for their effectiveness: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).

Both therapies are designed to help individuals process traumatic memories but employ distinct methods to achieve healing. In this blog post, we’ll delve into each therapy’s unique characteristics, helping you navigate your options for recovery and understand which approach may resonate more with your journey.

Understanding EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured approach that helps individuals process traumatic memories and experiences effectively. Developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro, EMDR has become a widely recognized evidence-based therapy, particularly effective for those suffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other trauma-related conditions. When considering different therapeutic approaches for mental health, understanding the roles of a psychologist vs psychiatrist for ADHD and trauma-focused treatments like EMDR is essential in choosing the most supportive path for individual needs.

The Eight Phases of EMDR

EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol to guide clients through the therapeutic process systematically. Here’s a breakdown of each phase:

  • History-Taking: Therapists gather comprehensive information about the client’s history, including traumatic experiences, symptoms, and goals for therapy.
  • Preparation: In this phase, the therapist establishes rapport with the client and explains the EMDR process. Coping strategies and relaxation techniques are introduced to help clients manage emotional distress.
  • Assessment: Clients identify specific memories they want to target during therapy. The therapist assists them in determining the negative beliefs associated with these memories preparing for reprocessing.
  • Desensitization: This phase involves bilateral stimulation—often through guided eye movements. Clients focus on the targeted memory while following the therapist’s fingers or engaging with other forms of bilateral stimulation, which helps reduce the distress associated with the memory.
  • Installation: After desensitization, the focus shifts to replacing negative beliefs with positive affirmations. For example, if a client believes they are powerless due to trauma, the therapist might encourage them to adopt the assumption that they are strong and capable.
  • Body Scan: Clients check in with their bodies to identify any remaining physical tension or discomfort related to the memory. This step ensures that the trauma’s emotional and physical aspects are addressed.
  • Closure: The session concludes with techniques that restore emotional balance, helping clients return to a grounded state. Therapists often provide guidance on coping mechanisms to use between sessions.
  • Re-evaluation: Therapists evaluate progress at the beginning of future sessions, addressing any residual distress or new memories that may have surfaced since the last visit.

How EMDR Works

The effectiveness of EMDR therapy lies in its structured approach to memory processing. By combining cognitive processing with bilateral stimulation, EMDR enables clients to reprocess traumatic memories in a way that lessens their emotional impact. This method promotes emotional healing and allows clients to view their past experiences from a healthier perspective.

Exploring Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an innovative, efficient approach designed to help individuals rapidly process and resolve traumatic memories. Developed by Laurel Parnell, ART combines techniques from multiple psychotherapy methods but stands out for its unique, streamlined process focused on quick emotional healing. It has proven particularly effective for individuals facing trauma-related symptoms, including PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress. To learn more about how ART can facilitate healing, visit https://counsellinginstitute.ca/accelerated-resolution-therapy/.

What Sets ART Apart?

ART’s defining feature is its emphasis on visual processing over extensive verbal recounting of trauma. During sessions, clients visualize their traumatic memories in a less distressing form while engaging in bilateral stimulation through guided eye movements. This combination helps reduce the emotional intensity of memories, often achieving faster results than traditional therapies.

Key Components of ART

  • Imaginal Exposure: ART enables clients to transform distressing memories into manageable visuals, allowing them to revisit experiences without being overwhelmed by emotions commonly associated with trauma.
  • Structured Protocol: Sessions include a set number of guided eye movements, typically around 40, while the therapist and client collaborate on visualizing the trauma. This structured approach enables significant progress in just a few sessions.
  • Somatic Awareness: ART encourages clients to tune into bodily sensations, helping them understand how trauma impacts their physical well-being and supporting holistic emotional regulation.
  • Rapid Results: Many clients experience significant symptom relief in just one to five sessions, making ART a compelling choice for those seeking immediate support with trauma-related challenges.

ART vs. EMDR Therapy

When comparing Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), it’s helpful to understand their unique trauma treatment approaches.

Key Differences

  • Focus and Technique: EMDR involves detailed cognitive processing, guiding clients to recall traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation. This can take multiple sessions for deep emotional processing. ART, by contrast, is more visually focused, allowing clients to replace distressing images with positive ones through guided eye movements, often yielding results in 1 to 5 sessions.
  • Session Structure: EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol focused on memory desensitization and restructuring, while ART uses fewer eye movements, prioritizing rapid trauma processing for quicker relief.
  • Client Experience: EMDR may require clients to recall detailed traumatic events, which can feel intense. ART minimizes this by encouraging visualization of trauma in a less distressing way, providing a more accessible healing experience.

Both therapies have demonstrated effectiveness in treating PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress, but the choice between EMDR and accelerated resolution therapy ultimately depends on individual preferences and specific therapeutic needs. For more information on these options, visit them to explore how these techniques can best support your mental health journey.

Begin Your Journey to Healing Today

Choosing the right therapeutic approach for trauma recovery is a deeply personal journey. While both EMDR and ART offer valuable and distinct methods, each supports healing in unique ways suited to different needs and preferences. For some, a structured, cognitive pathway like EMDR provides stability through the process, while others may resonate with ART’s visual and swift approach. Discover a supportive and transformative therapy experience with approaches like EMDR and ART. Start your journey today to find a healing method that aligns with your needs.