Similarities and Differences Between EMDR and ART Therapy
- Katie Walter
- Jun 21, 2022
- 3 min read
What You Need to Know About EMDR and ART Therapy
In this blog you will read about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Both therapies have been well researched and shown to have great success in treating a variety of mental health needs.
Both therapies were created utilizing the natural healing and coping process the mind has of rapid eye movement (REM) which usually occurs during sleep.
Background
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR was developed in 1987 by Francine Shapiro, utilizing this natural process in order to successfully treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Since that time EMDR has been used to effectively treat a wide range of mental health problems.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has been extensively researched through the years, adjusting as new knowledge is made available and is appropriate.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) was developed in 2008 by Laney Rosenzweig. She developed this treatment option after having experience with several treatment modalities, including EMDR.
Through her vast knowledge and training she realized that though Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing was effective, there could be some changes made to accelerate the process.
Since this time Accelerated Resolution Therapy has been extensively researched as well and has consistently shown to be powerful and effective for clients and patients.
Similarities Between ART and EMDR
Both therapies utilize bilateral stimulation (BLS) which is rhythmic eye movement back and forth between the right and left sides of the body. The eye movements mimic what occurs in REM sleep.
On a basic level, they both pair the BLS with a guided visualization of memories, emotions, thoughts, sensations, and images. In both therapies, a person does not have to speak out loud about what they are experiencing.
They both empower a person to stop the process at any time and are not a form of hypnosis. In both, the person remains awake and alert.
Therapy Treatments
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing EMDR can be used to treat a number of problems such as trauma, anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and addiction issues.
They are both recognized as evidence-based practices by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association (SAMHSA), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Both EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) have a pre-treatment phase where a person is asked direct questions to ensure it is the right option for them at the time.
In some cases, this phase reveals that more work needs to be done to ensure a person is able to safely ground after the session is complete.
Personal note:
Having been trained in both therapies – the similarities far outweigh any differences. When a person is working with their Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and/or EMDR therapist; their needs and current mental and emotional status is considered very carefully to ensure that person will be able to complete the therapy with success.
Differences Between EMDR and ART
EMDR uses a variable number of eye movements, while Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) uses a fixed number. EMDR allows free association, while Accelerated Resolution Therapy therapists are directive.
ART has very specific parts of therapy with memory reconsolidation and smooth-pursuit eye movements or BLS. EMDR has 8 phases that the therapist will guide the person through.
Therapy Processes
The process of both therapies will differ in the session as they have a different structure – EMDR is more content-oriented as far as a person in the session will notice sensations, images, words, emotions with the difficult symptoms, events, and memories.
Then the person is invited to speak them out loud. The therapist will pay attention to the content of what is shared. They then help the person identify difficult words, experiences, sensations, and guide them through continued reprocessing.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is more procedural-oriented as far as the person in the session is asked to notice emotional sensations and visual imagery that all occur with the symptoms, events, and memories.
However, when it comes to the next step the person does not have to speak these things out loud. Research has shown with the structure of Accelerated Resolution Therapy it is good enough for the person to keep their memory reconsolidation process to themselves.
Personal note:
As a therapist who practices both Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and EMDR, when considering which treatment is best for a client; I would look at the information from their pre-treatment phase then see what treatment could have the most successful outcome.
To learn more about PPH Therapy and other industry related topics, head to our blog posts!
References:
Personal experience and practice through trainings and in-session application from February of 2021until present.
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