Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

Transform Distress into Relief

What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a way of helping reduce or even eliminate symptoms associated with trauma, using visualization and rapid eye movements to help the brain replace distressing images with ones that feel more manageable. If you’re feeling stuck, ART may be a great option for you.

This method is especially effective for those who experience nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and other depressive or PTSD symptoms. Many people experience rapid and long-lasting improvement often within 3-4 sessions, and sometimes even after a single session.

With this evidence-based approach, you do not need to talk to your therapist about the details of your trauma. It is rooted in principles from gestalt and psychodynamic therapies, using guided imagery in combination with eye movements to help the brain resolve stuck patterns.

You may benefit from ART if:

You want relief without retelling your trauma
Your symptoms feel “stuck”
You want faster results
You struggle with vivid memories or distressing images
You are overwhelmed by your symptoms.

What can ART help with?

ART can support healing for a wide range of emotional, physical, and cognitive symptoms, whether sudden or longstanding. If you are experiencing distress of any kind, ART may be an excellent option for you. Your therapist will work with you to decide if ART is a good approach for your needs. While often used for trauma, Accelerated Resolution Therapy can also help with a wide range of concerns including:

Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety and stress are normal, but if they are taking over your thoughts, we can help you learn to understand it and find calm and steadiness to move forward.

Depression and Suicidal Thoughts

When everything feels heavy, even small steps matter. Find the space you need to heal at your own pace.

Life Transitions

Change is overwhelming, even when it’s positive change. From career shifts to new stages of life, find the support you need to adjust and grow in healthy ways.

Caregiver Burnout

Caring for others is both deeply meaningful and exhausting. We’ll help you find balance, tend to your own needs, and help build connections to resources that will lighten the load.

Life-limiting Illness, Dementia, and End of Life

When you or a loved one is facing illness, fear, sadness, and uncertainty can come in waves. We’re here to help you process with care and dignity.

Grief, Separation, and Loss

Loss changes everything, and grief shows up in unpredictable ways. We specialize in grief and loss to help you find meaning, healing, and connection.

Abuse, Trauma and PTSD

Healing from trauma takes time, care, and courage. Our counsellors offer a safe, supportive space to help you process painful experiences and start to feel grounded again.

Social Isolation and Loneliness

You deserve to feel worthy and connected. Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back and build a stronger sense of self and belonging.

Family and Relationship Conflicts

Learn how to communicate with care, set boundaries, and rebuild understanding with the people who matter most to you.

What can you expect during Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Accelerated Resolution Therapy sessions are generally 1.5 hours long. They involve a guided process where your therapist leads you through a series of eye movements and imagery techniques to shift difficult sensations, memories, emotions, behaviors, or thoughts.

Most of the work happens in your own mind–you will be given instructions and will complete the eye movements, but you do not need to share the details of your trauma unless you choose to.

Clients often describe ART as a transformative and empowering experience, and that even after their first session, they feel like they can start to breathe again.

We may use Accelerated Resolution Therapy in:

Child, Youth and Teen Counselling

Age-appropriate support to help young people manage emotions and navigate life’s challenges.

Corporate Wellness

Grief-sensitive counselling, critical incident debriefing, workshops, and resources that help your team feel supported and foster a compassionate workplace culture.

Couples Counselling

Couples counselling creates space for mutual understanding and growth, helping partners strengthen their communication and support one another better.

Family Counselling

Family counselling helps loved ones communicate, build resilience, process challenges together, support each other while honouring their individual experiences.

Grief and Loss Counselling

Designed specifically to support you through the emotional and physical toll of a significant loss.

Group Therapy

A supportive space where people with shared experiences can connect, learn from one another, and gain new perspectives, guided by a skilled facilitator.

Individual Therapy

A one-on-one, confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with the support of a trained therapist.

Trusted Experts,
Compassionate Care

Nessa Hill

Elizabeth Agbator

Daniella Kersey

Heather Ruhl

Kayla McLachlan

Anna Jongeleen

Ready to take the next step?

Located in West Edmonton, we offer both in-person and remote appointments.

Ready to talk? Book your free 30-minute telephone or video consultation to be matched with the best therapist or group for you.

You can book online or contact us by phone at 780-454-1194 or email at ehc@jfse.org.

We will get back to you within two business days.