Compare EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma treatment. Learn which evidence-based approach may be right for your PTSD recovery journey.
If you’re researching trauma treatment options, you’ve likely encountered both EMDR and ART therapy. These two evidence-based approaches have transformed how we treat PTSD and trauma—but they work differently and may suit different people. Understanding these differences helps you make an informed choice about your recovery.
At Elevated Healing Treatment Centers, we’re among the few facilities in the San Fernando Valley offering both EMDR therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Our therapists are trained in both modalities, allowing us to match you with the approach that best fits your needs.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 and has become one of the most researched trauma treatments available. According to the American Psychological Association, EMDR is a strongly recommended treatment for PTSD.
EMDR works by having you recall traumatic memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation—typically following a therapist’s finger movements with your eyes. This dual attention appears to reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories and help your brain reprocess them more adaptively.
How EMDR Works
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol:
- History-taking – Understanding your trauma history and treatment goals
- Preparation – Learning coping skills and building therapeutic rapport
- Assessment – Identifying target memories and associated beliefs
- Desensitization – Processing memories with bilateral stimulation
- Installation – Strengthening positive beliefs
- Body scan – Addressing residual physical tension
- Closure – Returning to equilibrium
- Reevaluation – Assessing progress
Trauma Memories Stay “Stuck”
When trauma isn’t properly processed, memories remain vivid and emotionally charged, triggering flashbacks, nightmares, and overwhelming anxiety.
Evidence-Based Reprocessing
Both EMDR and ART use structured protocols to help your brain naturally reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact.
Memories Without Pain
After successful treatment, you remember what happened—but without the overwhelming emotional response. The past stays in the past.
Rapid Trauma Resolution Techniques
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a newer modality developed by Laney Rosenzweig in 2008. While it shares some similarities with EMDR—including the use of eye movements—ART has distinct features that may make it preferable for certain individuals.
Research published in peer-reviewed journals and recognized by SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs supports ART’s effectiveness for trauma, depression, anxiety, and other conditions.
Key Differences in ART
- Faster results – ART typically resolves trauma in 1-5 sessions versus EMDR’s 6-12+ sessions
- Less verbal processing – You don’t need to describe traumatic details aloud
- Voluntary Image Replacement – Unique technique allowing you to replace distressing images with peaceful ones
- Procedural certainty – More structured protocol with less variation session to session
PTSD Treatment Comparison
When comparing these approaches for PTSD treatment, several factors come into play. The National Institute of Mental Health recognizes that different evidence-based treatments work for different people—there’s no single “best” approach.
Average Sessions Needed for Trauma Resolution
Based on clinical research and treatment outcome studies
Bilateral Stimulation Therapy
Both EMDR and ART utilize bilateral stimulation therapy—typically eye movements that engage both hemispheres of the brain. Research suggests this bilateral activation may facilitate memory processing and reduce the vividness of traumatic memories.
However, the therapies differ in how they use this bilateral stimulation:
In EMDR: Eye movements accompany the natural processing of traumatic memories. You focus on the disturbing image while following the therapist’s fingers, allowing your brain to make new associations.
In ART: Eye movements are used more directively to desensitize distressing images and then install replacement images. The protocol is more structured, with specific “sets” of eye movements for different purposes.
Which Approach Might Be Right for You?
EMDR may be preferred if:
- You’re comfortable with more open-ended processing
- You have complex trauma requiring extensive exploration
- You prefer a well-established treatment with decades of research
- Your therapist has more experience with EMDR
ART may be preferred if:
- You want faster results (1-5 sessions typical)
- You’re uncomfortable discussing trauma details aloud
- You prefer more structure and predictability in sessions
- You want to actively replace distressing images with peaceful ones
Not Sure Which Trauma Therapy Is Right for You?
Our clinicians are trained in both EMDR and ART. Schedule a consultation to discuss your options.
Schedule Consultation Call: 747-888-3000Frequently Asked Questions
Both are effective evidence-based treatments for PTSD. EMDR has more extensive research, while ART often works faster. The “better” choice depends on your preferences, trauma history, and therapeutic goals. Our team can help you decide.
EMDR typically requires 6-12 sessions for single-incident trauma, potentially more for complex trauma. ART often resolves issues in 1-5 sessions. However, every person is different, and we’ll develop a timeline based on your specific situation.
ART requires less verbal disclosure than EMDR—you can process trauma without describing it aloud. In EMDR, some discussion of the trauma is typically involved, though you control how much detail you share.
Yes, both EMDR and ART are typically covered by insurance as mental health treatment. We accept most major PPO plans and Medicare. Verify your benefits at no cost.
Absolutely. Both therapies are available across all our programs—residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient.
Our dual-diagnosis approach integrates trauma therapy with substance use treatment. Addressing trauma is often essential for lasting recovery from addiction.
Both EMDR and ART are designed to process trauma safely. While you may experience some discomfort during sessions, our therapists are trained to pace treatment appropriately and ensure you feel safe throughout.
Getting Started with Trauma Therapy
Whether you choose EMDR, ART, or another approach, the most important step is beginning your healing journey. At Elevated Healing Treatment Centers in Woodland Hills, our Joint Commission accredited facility offers both modalities as part of comprehensive mental health and dual-diagnosis treatment.
Our therapists will assess your specific needs and recommend the approach most likely to help you heal. Many clients benefit from combining trauma therapy with other evidence-based treatments like CBT and DBT.
You don’t have to live with trauma forever. Call (747) 888-3000 or contact us online to learn which trauma therapy might be right for you.
Trauma Doesn’t Have to Define Your Future
Evidence-based treatment can help you heal. Let’s talk about your options.
Start Healing Today Confidential help: (747) 888-3000