What Exactly Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (also called ART) is a short-term, evidence-based approach designed to help you heal from distressing experiences – fast. Similar to other trauma-based modalities like EMDR; it combines eye movements, memory reconsolidation, and guided visualization to shift how upsetting memories are stored in your brain.
However, unlike EMDR or traditional talk therapy, ART doesn’t require you to retell or relive painful events. You stay in control of the process the entire time. Most people feel relief within just 1–5 sessions.
It’s also important to note that ART therapy does not have anything to do with traditional art therapy where creative methods such as painting or drawing are used as a form of emotional expression. ART is simply an acronym for Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
WHAT TO EXPECT
How Does Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Work?
ART therapy stands out for its ability to create real and drastic change – quickly and gently. Unlike traditional talk therapy, you don’t need to retell or relive your trauma. Instead, ART involves following a series of rapid eye movements and visualization techniques from a script “performed” by the therapist to help your brain reprocess distressing memories and replace them with more peaceful images.
It’s efficient, focused and emotionally lighter than many other approaches. Many clients feel relief in as little as one session (usually between one and five) – without months of digging into the past. They describe the effect as feeling “lighter,” “clearer” or as if something that’s been stuck has finally shifted.
While ART is originally derived from EMDR therapy and is used to treat many of the same mental health challenges, it also differs from EMDR in a few key ways:
Title | Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) | EMDR |
|---|---|---|
Ideal For | Clients who want fast results with less emotional intensity | Clients ready to explore deeper beliefs and emotions
|
Main Goal | Reduce distress by "replacing" upsetting images with calming ones | Desensitize painful memories and change core beliefs |
Client Experience | Fast relief + emotional distance from the issue | Deep insight + emotional release over time |
Techniques Used | Eye movements + voluntary image replacement (visualization) | Bilateral stimulation (often eye movements or tapping) |
Emotional Intensity
| Designed to reduce emotional overwhelm during sessions
| Can feel emotionally intense during reprocessing |
Level of Talking Required | Minimal – focused more on imagery and less talking | Moderate to high – involves more verbal processing |
Length of treatment | 1-5 Sessions | 8-12 Sessions |
Approach to Memories
| You briefly visualize memories without in-depth discussion | You revisit and talk through traumatic memories in depth |
WHO IS ART FOR
Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy Right For Me?
ART might be a great fit for you if you’re looking for faster relief from:
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Trauma & PTSD (recent or childhood)
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Anxiety or panic attacks
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Depression
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Grief and loss
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Phobias and fears
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Obsessive or intrusive thoughts
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People pleasing and perfectionism
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Self-esteem issues or negative thinking patterns
It’s also ideal if traditional talk therapy hasn’t worked or you’re hesitant to revisit the past in detail.
ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Dawn - Your Certified ART Therapist in Bel Air.
I am certified in both d Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and EMDR. I specialize in helping people get to the root of their struggles – not just manage symptoms – so you can experience real, lasting change.
Aside from ART and EMDR, I also integrate other evidence-based methods when needed, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Brainspotting, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
I know how overwhelming it can feel to start therapy, especially if past experiences have left you feeling unseen or misunderstood. My approach is warm, compassionate, and direct. Healing doesn’t have to be a lifelong process, and you don’t have to do it alone.
HOW TO WORK WITH ME
Flexible In-Person and Online Therapy Options To Suit Your Unique Needs
Local In-Person Therapy In Bel Air and Surrounding Areas
For those who prefer face-to-face sessions, I offer ART therapy in my practice in Bel Air in a safe, supportive environment. In-person sessions allow us to work together in real time, helping you process trauma, rewire distressing memories and move toward healing with personalized guidance.
Online Therapy Across The State of Maryland
If you're located anywhere in Maryland, you can access ART therapy online from the comfort of your home. Virtual sessions provide the same transformative healing without the need for travel, making therapy more accessible for busy schedules or those who prefer to do therapy at home.
Therapy Intensives - In-Person In Bel Air
For those wanting to accelerate their healing, I offer ART intensives — a focused, immersive approach that allows you to make significant progress in a shorter time. This option is great for those traveling from out of state or looking for a deeper, more concentrated experience that offers the same results.
Cost & Payment Options
Private Pay
Standard 50-minute session: $150
Half-day intensive (3 hours): $400 (save $50)
Full-day intensive (6 hours): $800 (save $100)
Many clients intentionally choose to pay out-of-pocket for a variety of reasons. If you're curious about the benefits of private pay over insurance-based therapy, be sure to check out more info here.
Insurance
I currently ONLY accept Cigna insurance.
For other insurance providers, I’m considered out-of-network, but I can provide what is commonly referred to as a superbill, which you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement (as long as you have out-of-network benefits).
If you'd like to check out your out-of-network benefits and reimbursement rates, you can do so here.
YOU MAY WANT TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
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Will therapy actually work for me?Therapy can be highly effective, but its success depends on factors like your openness, commitment, environment and the therapeutic relationship. Healing isn’t always linear or guaranteeed, but with the right support and approach, I've seen incredible results with my clients. So meaningful change and lasting transformation is definitely possible.
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Can you help me if I’ve tried therapy before and didn’t find it helpful?Yes! Every therapist has a unique style, and sometimes it takes finding the right fit or approach. If past therapy didn’t resonate with you, we can explore what wasn’t helpful and tailor our work to meet your needs more effectively.
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How can I tell if you’re the right therapist for me?The best way to know is to schedule a consultation so we can meet and see if we’re a good fit. In our initial conversation, we’ll discuss your needs, my approach, and any questions you might have about the process. It’s important to feel safe, heard, and understood in therapy so I definitely want to make sure we both feel like it’s a good fit.
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When are you available for sessions?My hours are: Monday: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 6pm Tuesday: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 5pm Wednesday: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 6pm Thursday: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 5pm
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What are your qualifications?I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Maryland. I have worked in community mental health and in private practice. I am certified in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and ART (accelerated resolution therapy). My approach is trauma-informed, compassionate, and sometimes even sprinkled with humor - because healing doesn’t have to be so heavy all the time.
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I want to work with you but what if I’m not ready to face and work on certain issues?I completely get that. Opening up can feel vulnerable, especially if you've felt unheard or dismissed in the past. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and accepted exactly as you are. Therapy isn't about judgment, it's about understanding what you're going through and working together to help you heal. My first priority is always for you to feel safe so you'll only ever need to talk about what you feel comfortable sharing.
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How long will therapy take, and how will I know if I’m making progress?This really depends on your goals, history, and how deep we need to go. Some people find relief in a handful of sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll check in regularly to make sure you’re feeling progress - whether it’s sleeping better, handling stress more easily, or simply feeling lighter. The goal is always to help you feel better, not keep you in therapy forever.
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Will I just talk in therapy, or will I get practical tools I can use?This isn’t just a space to vent (although sometimes that may be exactly what you want/need). I’ll also provide you with practical tools, strategies, and coping skills you can use in your daily life. Whether it’s reframing negative thoughts, grounding techniques, or working through processes like EMDR or ART, you’ll walk away with real ways to help yourself outside of our sessions.
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What if I have to cancel or reschedule — will I be charged?Life happens, and I get that. I do ask for 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or reschedules. Late cancellations or no-shows may be charged a fee since that time was reserved for you.
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What happens if I’m unhappy or feel like it isn’t working?Therapy should feel like a good fit, and if at any point you feel like it’s not working, let’s talk about it. Sometimes we need to adjust our approach, and other times it’s about finding the right therapist for you. I won’t take it personally if you need something different and I may be able to refer you to someone in my network who is better suited for your needs.
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What happens if I have to pause therapy temporarily due to finances, time, or other reasons?If you need to pause therapy, we’ll make a plan to ensure you still have tools to support yourself in the meantime. You’re always welcome to come back when you’re ready. Life has seasons, and therapy should work with where you are, not add stress to it.
IT’S TIME FOR A NEW DAWN!
Start Your Journey Toward Healing Today
It is my mission to help you achieve the transformation you desire and feel supported throughout the entire process. I am committed to helping you achieve your goals and navigate any challenges that may come your way. Contact me today to schedule your consultation or ask any questions you may have. Let's work together to achieve a new dawn in your life!