Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and accelerated resolution therapy (ART) are treatments primarily used to treat PTSD and symptoms of trauma.
The goal of EMDR and ART is to help people reduce the impact of trauma triggers and feel more in control of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
EMDR and ART both show promise for treating trauma. But EMDR has been researched more extensively and is often easier to access than ART.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing [1] (EMDR) and accelerated resolution therapy [2] (ART) are evidence-based treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These approaches are often compared because they’re both somewhat experiential and different from traditional talk therapy.
Both EMDR and ART can help you change how you respond to traumatic memories and find greater peace in the present. Learning more about the similarities and differences between these treatment methods can help you decide which one might be best for your healing journey.
Similarities between EMDR and ART therapy
Both EMDR and ART [2] are primarily used to treat symptoms of trauma.
While they’re not identical, the two therapies share some core features, including:
Goals: EMDR and ART are designed to help people reduce their emotional and physiological responses to trauma triggers, replace traumatic memories or negative images with positive ones, improve their functioning, and regain greater control over their lives.
Session structure: In some ways, EMDR and ART are structured like exposure therapy [3]. Therapists who practice EMDR and ART encourage people to engage with their triggers to make them less powerful. In both EMDR and ART sessions, people recall traumatic memories slowly and gradually, with the therapist offering support.
Bilateral stimulation: As a person pictures their traumatic memory, the therapist may introduce some form of bilateral stimulation [4] to help the brain reprocess the event. For example, the participant may be instructed to move their eyes from side to side as they recall and replace upsetting imagery. This back-and-forth stimulation is meant to help both sides of the brain “talk” to each other. Thought to mimic REM sleep [5], it can make traumatic memories less upsetting.
Flexibility and length of care: One of the main benefits of EMDR [6] and ART [7] is the speed with which they can provide relief. They’re meant to help people feel better after a few sessions. They can also be integrated into your broader treatment plan and used alongside other supports, as recommended by your care team.
Limitations: It’s important to note that, like all therapies, EMDR and ART have limitations and aren’t right for everyone. For example, they may not be a good fit for people experiencing psychosis, an active substance use disorder (SUDs), or other safety concerns.
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Key differences between EMDR and ART
While EMDR and ART share some similarities, they differ in key ways.
Primary differences include:
Research: Compared to other established therapies, both EMDR and ART are relatively newer interventions. ART was developed in 2008 [8], and EMDR was developed in the late 1980s [9]. This decades-long difference means that there’s far more research on EMDR than ART. However, both modalities are considered evidence-based.
Treatment duration: Unlike traditional therapy, which can be open-ended, EMDR and ART tend to follow a specific structure and timeline. People usually attend EMDR about one to two times per week [6] for a total of 6 to 12 sessions. ART is even briefer, usually lasting one to five sessions, with an average of about four sessions.
Ethical considerations: Given that EMDR’s effectiveness is so well-established, some experts have questioned [7] if it’s ethical to use a less-researched modality like ART. Part of delivering trauma-informed care means choosing interventions that are proven effective. Otherwise, clinicians risk harming already-vulnerable people.
Availability: It’s usually easier to find clinicians who are trained in EMDR. If you’re interested in trying ART but can’t find a local provider, you may want to consider teletherapy to expand your search.
How to decide which one’s right for you
When it comes to overcoming the effects of trauma, you get to decide which approach is right for you, your goals, and your life.
But if you’re trying to choose between EMDR and ART, consider the following questions.
How severe are your symptoms?
If your trauma symptoms are severe, ongoing, and impacting your functioning, EMDR may be a better fit. Extensive evidence [10] shows that it helps people overcome PTSD. ART and other new modalities (i.e. brainspotting), on the other hand, haven’t been studied extensively. So they may not be appropriate for acute PTSD symptoms.
What’s your ideal length of treatment?
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which can extend indefinitely, both EMDR and ART are designed for a shorter duration. People usually attend EMDR for about 6 to 12 sessions, sometimes longer. ART is even briefer, lasting an average of about four sessions. If you want the shortest possible path to relief, ART may be a good option.
What types of treatment do you have access to?
Both EMDR and ART can be delivered in person or virtually. But if you prefer in-person care, you may be limited to the providers in your immediate area. While you can expand your search with teletherapy, EMDR is often more readily available. According to the EMDR International Association [11], more than 18,000 providers are trained in EMDR worldwide.
One factor I pay close attention to is the client’s ability to stay present with internal experiences. If a client can notice emotions and body sensations without quickly becoming overwhelmed or dissociating, EMDR or ART is more likely to be appropriate.
Ashley Ayala, LMFT
Clinical reviewer
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EMDR and ART are two forms of therapy used to treat PTSD and symptoms of trauma. They’re both experiential and designed for shorter durations — as few as four sessions. EMDR and ART share some similarities, like recalling traumatic memories with a therapist’s support as well as bilateral stimulation. If you’re unsure which approach is right for you, consider the severity of your systems, treatment duration preference, and access to care.
At Rula, we’re here to help you feel better. Rula makes it easy to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who takes your insurance. That way, you don’t have to choose between great care and a price you can afford.
Rula patients pay about $15 per session with insurance, and 93% say they feel better after getting care through Rula. We have 21,000+ providers, and appointments are available as soon as tomorrow. We’re here to help you take the next step — wherever you are in your mental health journey.
References
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Helping During Treatment https://www.ptsd.va.gov/family/how_help_emdr.asp#:~:text=What%20Is%20EMDR?,from%20the%20past%20is%20processed.
- What Is ART? https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/what-is-art/
- What Is Exposure Therapy? https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/exposure-therapy
- Randomized Controlled Trial of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for Symptoms of Combat-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3.-ART-for-Combat-PTSD-Mil-Medicine.pdf
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Slow Wave Sleep: A Putative Mechanism of Action https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5681964/
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing
- Ethical Reflections on Offering Patients Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6145606/
- About Laney https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/about-laney/
- The History of EMDR Therapy https://www.emdr.com/history-of-emdr/
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/emdr_pro.asp#:~:text=Eye%20Movement%20Desensitization%20and%20Reprocessing%20%28EMDR%29%20is%20a%20trauma%2D,for%20the%20treatment%20of%20PTSD.
- EMDRIA https://www.emdria.org/
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Ashley Ayala, LMFT
Ashley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in generational healing and family dynamics. Ashley has worked in schools, clinics, and in private practice. She believes that people’s relationships, including our relationship with ourselves, greatly shape our experiences in life.
Ashley is committed to empowering others to show up authentically and deepen their self understanding. This passion stems from taking a critical lens on her own life story and doing inner healing. One of her favorite quotes is “Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.”
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