Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART): a Review and Research to Date

Abstract

Purpose of review: To describe and summarize published research on accelerated resolution therapy (ART), a promising and relatively new psychotherapy with the potential to offer rapid and effective resolution of a wide range of psychiatric symptoms. Unlike most evidence-based psychotherapies, ART is a predominately imaginative therapy that relies upon the rescripting of distressing events and metaphors as one of its key therapeutic elements.

Recent findings: The number of studies conducted on ART is limited, primarily consisting of one randomized, controlled trial (RCT) with 57 subjects and two large cohort studies involving 80 and 117 subjects, respectively. However, a growing body of research in the neuroscience field involving the initial creation (consolidation), activation, and reconsolidation of memories may also be relevant and is summarized herein. ART appears to be an effective, efficient, and versatile form of psychotherapy. Future studies, particularly high-quality RCTs, are needed to more fully understand the potential reach of this promising therapeutic modality.

Keywords: Depression; Eye movement; Posttraumatic stress disorder; Psychotherapy; Reconsolidation.