Your journey to healing from trauma often starts with finding and selecting an approach that suits your needs, preferences, and goals. This can be an overwhelming task, especially if you are presented with a myriad of therapy approaches about which you have little to no knowledge.
In the landscape of counseling and psychotherapy, especially in trauma-informed therapies, you might hear techniques like Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy that stand out as innovative techniques in treating people with post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and other trauma- and stress-related disorders.
Over the years, these strategies have gained prominence because of their efficacy compared to different approaches. While both shared a common goal of alleviating distressing symptoms brought on by a traumatic event, they differed in terms of approaches and methodologies.
This article explores the key difference between ART and EMDR therapy.
Core Concepts of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
ART is known for its rapid resolution because of its ability to quickly process past traumatic memories and present associated symptoms.
Instead of using prolonged exposure to traumatic memories, ART focuses on a non-invasive approach that uses rapid eye movements, similar to what we have during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. It has a gentle approach to trauma processing by reconstructing thought patterns and negative emotions associated with distressing memories.
In addition, ART also integrates various psychotherapy approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, guided imagery, and mindfulness strategies.
Core Concepts of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is recognized for its eight-phase treatment approach to systematically address past trauma, present associated symptoms, and potential future difficulties. It is known as one of the original approaches that introduced bilateral stimulation (or resource tapping or installation).
This can be done through the use of therapist-guided eye movements, auditory tones, and tapping. The goal of EMDR bilateral stimulation is to facilitate our brain’s natural way of processing traumatic memories and the emotions associated with them.
EMDR sessions help clients identify distressing memories, process them, and replace negative beliefs with positive ones. In addition, sessions with an EMDR therapist allow the client to learn a set of coping skills and strategies to manage a temporary increase in distress during and between sessions.
ART or EMDR Therapy?
ART and EMDR are both innovative approaches designed to address the symptoms associated with trauma. While they share some similarities, they differ in various aspects, including:
Techniques
ART uses rapid eye movement (similar to what occurs during our REM sleep) to facilitate processing traumatic memories. It is believed that this technique could directly alter or reprogram how these memories and images are stored in the brain to lessen the associated physical and emotional reactions.
Whereas EMDR involves bilateral stimulation (e.g., therapist-guided eye movements, sounds, tapping) while the client recalls the traumatic memories. This helps reduce the emotional impact of the memories over time.
Therapeutic Approach
ART integrates components from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), guided imagery, and mindfulness strategies. Rather than only processing the traumatic memories, ART reconstructs negative thought patterns and associated emotions.
Meanwhile, EMDR is based on the principle of Adaptive Information Processing (AIP), which assumes that traumatic and distressing memories must be processed to be integrated more adaptively into our system.
Duration of Sessions
Although the duration of these two therapeutic strategies varies widely depending on the number of traumatic memories to be processed and the complexity of associated symptoms, the client’s direct approach and active engagement in visualization and guided imagery make ART a little quicker in completing the sessions.
By contrast, the structured eight-phase EMDR protocol requires a lengthier session to facilitate processing. These phases are designed to comprehensively address past traumas, present symptoms, and potential future challenges associated with the traumatic memories.
Therapist Role
ART therapists are more active in guiding clients during the therapeutic process. The therapist actively intervenes and leads the process using ART techniques (e.g., rapid eye movement, cognitive reframing, and guided imagery). Basically, it focuses on employing direct intervention.
On the other hand, an EMDR therapist plays a facilitative role in that it allows clients to uncover traumatic and distressing memories at their own pace. This facilitative role provides guidance to the client while he explores and processes those memories.
Comparative Effectiveness for Trauma Therapy
The complexity of trauma-related mental health issues makes it challenging for us to choose a particular approach that shows consistent effectiveness toward trauma recovery.
While ART and EMDR therapy have their own unique approaches to facilitate the processing of traumatic experiences, both ART and EMDR were found to be effective treatments for PTSD based on multiple research studies.
Other Conditions Treated by ART and EMDR
Both ART and EMDR are versatile psychotherapies that can be used for a wide range of mental health conditions. Apart from showing effectiveness in treating trauma, they can be applied across different psychological disorders as well.
- Anxiety Disorders: ART and EMDR are effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias, and panic disorders. ART addresses the negative thought patterns and emotional responses related to anxiety symptoms, while EMDR looks into the underlying distressing memories that cause anxiety symptoms.
- Depressive Disorders: Both ART and EMDR can be used by clinicians to alleviate the symptoms of major depressive disorder by processing past distressing memories that contribute to a system of negative beliefs and automatic negative thoughts (ANT).
EMDR vs ART: Choosing the Right Therapy for Trauma Recovery
Choosing the right treatment modality is crucial in your journey towards trauma recovery. ART can be a great option if you prefer a shorter therapy duration requiring fewer sessions. ART is also a good option if you want your therapist to take an active approach to the therapeutic process.
Meanwhile, if you often appreciate a more structured approach and a therapist who plays a facilitative role in the therapeutic process, consider taking EMDR therapy.
In the long run, your choice between ART and EMDR must be guided by your understanding of their core concepts, their effectiveness in treating trauma, your therapist’s clinical judgment, and ultimately your own preference.
Find a Therapist at Luxe Recovery
You do not have to be alone when you are facing life challenges. If you happen to experience any of the symptoms we shared here, whether about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, or depressive and related disorders, send us a message or call us directly at Luxe Recovery.
Our qualified mental health clinicians will custom tailor a personalized treatment plan that meets your preference and need.
