Accelerated Resolution Therapy

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Accelerated resolution therapy (ART) is a relatively new therapy that includes many techniques for resolving the traumatic memories associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Preliminary evidence to date suggests that ART is highly effective, requires fewer sessions, and has a much greater completion rate than traditional PTSD therapies. A key difference between ART and other therapies for PTSD is that ART is an internal process that focuses on images rather than cognitions or feelings. This aspect is particularly important in a military population, since veterans are often not comfortable or legally permitted to share the details of their combat traumas due to their graphic intensity, potential association with war crimes, or inclusion of classified information. Herein, we provide a general description of the therapy, a summary of relevant clinical investigations, and present two cases that highlight the use of ART in resolving combat-related and early childhood traumas. The first case is of a fairly typical Iraq/Afghanistan veteran with complex PTSD related to multiple combat traumas and childhood abuse. The second case is of a different veteran’s first ART session, demonstrating ART’s unique ability to resolve long-standing, painful emotions such as shame and guilt very rapidly.