Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
A fast-acting, evidence-based approach that helps you find relief from trauma, anxiety, and distressing memories — often in just a handful of sessions, without needing to relive or describe what happened in detail.
What Is ART?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy uses guided eye movements — similar to those in EMDR — paired with a technique called voluntary image replacement. Instead of talking through a traumatic memory in detail, you work internally to change the way a distressing image or memory is stored in your mind.
ART is recognized as an evidence-based treatment by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for trauma-related disorders, depression, and resilience. It's directive, structured, and designed to move you toward relief quickly — often within just one to five sessions.
"You don't have to talk about your trauma in detail. The focus is on processing images and sensations internally — not on sharing every detail out loud."
How ART differs from traditional talk therapyHow an ART Session Works
Each session follows a structured, therapist-guided process designed to help you move through a specific memory or trigger.
Body Scan
Your therapist checks in on your physical and emotional baseline before beginning.
Memory Recall
You bring the distressing memory to mind while your therapist guides horizontal eye movements.
Rescripting
You voluntarily replace the distressing image with a positive one of your own choosing.
Closure
Your therapist confirms you can recall the memory without major distress before ending the session.
What ART Can Help With
How ART Compares to EMDR
ART is derived from EMDR and shares some core techniques, but the two approaches differ in structure.
ART
- Structured, procedural steps
- Doesn't require verbal trauma detail
- Typically 1–5 sessions
- Focuses on one memory per session
- More directive guidance from therapist
EMDR
- Free-associative, open-ended process
- Often involves more verbal processing
- Can involve more sessions over time
- May revisit the same memory repeatedly
- Explore EMDR on our EMDR therapy page
Meet Celeste Webster, CSW
Celeste works with clients ages 10 and up, with particular focus on anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, and body image concerns. Alongside ART, she draws on CBT, DBT, ACT, and person-centered, strengths-based care — adapting her approach to fit what each client needs.
Schedule with CelesteFrequently Asked Questions
Most clients see meaningful relief within one to five one-hour sessions, averaging around 3.7 sessions for PTSD-related concerns. Some issues resolve in a single session.
No. ART is designed so you don't need to verbally describe what happened. The work happens internally, through images and sensations, guided by your therapist.
ART is typically billed the same as other individual therapy sessions and is covered under most major mental health benefits. Visit our insurance page for details.
Yes. Celeste offers ART both in-person at our Orem office and via secure telehealth for clients anywhere in Utah.
ART can help with PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, addiction cravings, and more. It's often a good option for clients who want fast relief or feel hesitant to talk through trauma in detail.
Ready to Try ART Therapy?
If you're carrying a memory or trigger that keeps resurfacing, ART with Celeste may offer relief faster than you'd expect.
Schedule Your Session