If you have started looking into therapy for trauma, you have probably run into a lot of acronyms. Two that often get mixed up are Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Both are talk therapies that use guided eye movements to help your brain work through painful memories, and both are used for post-traumatic stress and related concerns.
Trauma is common, and it responds well to care. About 6 out of every 100 people in the U.S. will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, and helpful treatments exist. We put this guide together to explain what ART and EMDR are, how they compare, and what researchers have found so far, so you feel more prepared when you talk with a therapist or start looking for one.
What Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy, usually called ART, is a brief, trauma-focused therapy. (It is not the same as art therapy, which uses drawing, painting, and other creative work.) ART was developed in 2008 and blends parts of several older approaches, such as guided imagery, cognitive behavioral therapy, and EMDR.
During a session, your therapist guides your eyes back and forth while you picture a distressing memory. You then swap the upsetting image for a calmer or more positive one, a step sometimes called image rescripting. One helpful feature is that you stay in control the whole time, and you do not have to describe your trauma out loud in detail. Many people work through a concern in one to five sessions.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Similar to ART, it uses side-to-side stimulation, such as following your therapist’s hand with your eyes, listening to alternating tones, or gentle tapping. The idea is that this back-and-forth stimulation helps your brain settle a memory that feels stuck, so it stops causing as much distress.
EMDR follows eight phases that usually span about three months of weekly sessions. Your therapist first takes a history and teaches you ways to stay calm. Later, you focus on a target memory and a belief about yourself tied to it, work through the distress with sets of eye movements, and build a more helpful belief in its place. A body-check step near the end helps confirm the memory no longer brings up tension you can feel physically.
What Is the Difference Between ART and EMDR?
Both therapies work with trauma using eye movements, so it makes sense that people mix them up. The main differences come down to structure, length, and how much you talk.
- Structure. ART follows a set script within a single session. EMDR moves through its eight phases, often across several sessions.
- Length. ART is designed to be brief, frequently one to five sessions. EMDR usually runs about three months.
- Focus. ART leans on swapping a distressing image for a calmer one. EMDR spends more time on the beliefs attached to a memory, such as “I am not safe,” and works to shift them.
- Talking. With ART, you generally do not need to describe the details of what happened. EMDR also limits how much you retell, though your therapist may ask about the thoughts and feelings a memory brings up.
Knowing how they differ is useful, but many people also want to know which one has more research behind it.
Is ART or EMDR More Effective?
This is where the two differ the most. EMDR has been studied for decades and carries the strongest recommendation in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense treatment guideline, and the American Psychological Association also recommends it as an option. Reviews of the research suggest EMDR can meaningfully reduce trauma symptoms.
ART shows real promise, but the research on it is still early. The first and only systematic review of ART for PTSD looked at just five studies. People in those studies improved, but there are not yet enough high-quality trials to rate ART against the same standards used for more established therapies. In everyday terms, EMDR has more evidence behind it today, while ART is a newer option that researchers are still learning about. Both may help, and a therapist can talk you through what that means for you.
How Do I Find a Therapist for ART or EMDR?
Once you have a sense of which approach interests you, the next step is finding a therapist trained in it. Not every therapist offers ART or EMDR, so it helps to ask directly when you reach out. A few options can get you started.
- Ask your doctor or insurance company for names of trauma therapists in your area.
- Check directories from trusted mental health organizations.
- Use a free matching tool. We created Mental Health Match to make this part easier, and it is free to use. You answer a few questions about what you are looking for, and we introduce you to therapists who fit your needs. Start here whenever you are ready.
However you find someone, the bond you build with your therapist matters. Feeling safe and understood is one of the biggest factors in whether therapy helps, so it is okay to meet with more than one person until you find the right fit.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to a qualified healthcare professional about any medical concerns. If you are in crisis, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
