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Relieving Trauma with Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Most people will experience some trauma in their lifetime, whether it’s a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or a natural disaster.

In fact, according to SAMHSA and US Department of Veterans Affairs, 10% of Gulf war veterans, 11% of Afghan war veterans, 20% of the general population, and 30% of first responders are diagnosed with PTSD or another mental health disorder.

Trauma Treatment

Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma. Accelerated Resolution Therapy is a client centered, client lead, psychodynamic intervention that uses eye movement to change the way information is stored in the brain. This process of memory reconsolidation combines multiple evidence based interventions with the goal to achieve resolution.

Why clients prefer Accelerated Resolution Therapy

• Narration optional (no need for details)
• No diagnosis needed to treat the problem
• No homework, no recollection of trauma between sessions
• A.R.T. is a brief intervention, commonly 1 — 5 sessions
• Quick resolution, measurable outcome
• Client centered (therapist only serves as a guide)
• Saves money/time
• Retain the facts: “Keep the knowledge, lose the pain”

Candidates

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Can hold onto a thought
• Can move your eyes uninhibited
• Are motivated for change
• (Skepticism is OK)

What to expect from your A.R.T. session

• Eye movements (REM)
• NO Narrative (you don’t have to talk about the details)
• 60-90 minute process
• Procedural, metaphorical
• Accelerated results (1 — 5 sessions)
• Aims to find a resolution, not just “manage symptoms”
• ”Positization” — Voluntary Image Replacement

What clients say

Following are quotes from actual Accelerated Resolution Therapy clients from a variety of clinicians.

• “The day after our session, I canceled my (ongoing) trauma therapy sessions because I felt I didn’t need to go.”
• “It’s saved my life.“
• “I made more progress in one hour than I had made in three years of therapy.“
• “I’ve been praying for a miracle. I think I found it.“
• “I feel like I got my brave back!“ (10-year-old girl)
• “What the f*** just happened?”

Trauma Symptoms

The four types of symptoms listed in the DSM-5

Avoidance Symptoms

• Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
• Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt

Re-experiencing Symptoms

• Intrusive thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks

Hyperarousal Symptoms

• Anger, irritability and hypervigilance
• Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
• Sleep disturbances

Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms

• Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
• Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
• Change in habits or behavior since the trauma

While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends and bounce back with resiliency, others may discover effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress far after the event has passed.

Common reasons for not seeking help with trauma symptoms

• Fear of stigma/label
• Risk of being on record/license
• Threat to view of self (strong, determined)
• Avoidance
• Time commitment
• Feeling “weak” or “inadequate”
• Bad experience with therapy
• Unaware of the problem

In these circumstances, the support, guidance and assistance of a therapist is fundamental to healing from trauma.

Schedule a session using the link below to schedule your appointment.

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If you have questions or you need more info, I would be happy to connect with you for a free 15-minute phone consultation. Click the button below and choose your date from the drop down menu.