EMDR and ART offer powerful, evidence-based ways to heal from trauma, release what’s been holding you back, and create space for growth and clarity.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR is a widely researched, structured therapy that helps the brain reprocess stuck traumatic memories so they no longer cause emotional distress. During EMDR, your therapist will guide you to focus on a troubling memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as moving your eyes back and forth, tapping, or auditory tones). This activates your brain’s natural ability to heal, reducing the emotional charge of the memory over time.
Key Benefits of EMDR:
- Reduces symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation
- Helps access root memories without needing to describe every detail out loud
- Often leads to lasting relief in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy
- Supports integration of positive beliefs and emotions alongside memory reprocessing
Many clients describe EMDR as empowering and relieving—it can help you move through trauma without becoming overwhelmed by it.
Please learn more at emdr.com and read about the researched based effectiveness of EMDR here: https://www.emdr.com/efficacy/
Therapists who use EMDR have specialized training and continually work in consultation to become more proficient. We have several therapists who are trained and ready to meet with you:
ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy)
ART is a fast-acting, trauma-focused therapy that combines eye movements with guided imagery to help the brain “re-code” distressing memories. Rather than revisiting the trauma repeatedly, ART helps you replace painful images and sensations with ones that feel calm, safe, or empowering—all while maintaining awareness and control.
Key Benefits of ART:
- Often brings noticeable relief in just 1–5 sessions
- Doesn’t require verbal disclosure of trauma details
- Helps resolve trauma, grief, anxiety, phobias, and nightmares
- Offers a unique blend of structure and creativity through visualization techniques
Clients often say that ART feels surprisingly gentle, even when working through intense memories. It’s especially helpful for those who want fast results or have difficulty verbalizing their experiences.
ART also requires specialized training. Current therapists trained and ready to meet with you are:
Read this post written by Austin Garrett all about ART to learn more: Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART): Keep the Memory, Lose the Pain
What to Expect
Both EMDR and ART are client-centered, meaning you set the pace and stay in charge of your healing. Your therapist will work with you to create a sense of safety and stability before beginning any trauma reprocessing. These therapies are appropriate for a wide range of trauma, from single events to long-term emotional injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail for EMDR or ART to work?
No. Both EMDR and ART can be effective without you needing to describe the full details of your trauma out loud. In EMDR, you may briefly recall aspects of a memory internally, while ART often doesn’t require verbal processing of the event at all. Your therapist will help you stay grounded and in control throughout.
Are EMDR and ART backed by research?
Yes. EMDR has decades of clinical research supporting its effectiveness, particularly for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and complex trauma. ART is a newer but evidence-based therapy shown to significantly reduce symptoms of trauma, grief, and anxiety in just a few sessions.
How long will therapy take?
Everyone’s journey is different. Some people feel significant relief within a few sessions, especially with ART. EMDR can also be brief, though it may take longer depending on the complexity and number of memories being processed. We’ll check in regularly and tailor the approach to your pace and progress.
What if I feel overwhelmed during a session?
Your emotional safety is our priority. Both therapies are designed to reduce—not intensify—distress. Your therapist will help you build coping tools and emotional regulation strategies before beginning any memory work. You are always in control and can pause or slow down the process at any time.
Can these therapies help with things besides trauma?
Yes. While originally developed for trauma, EMDR and ART are also effective for anxiety, panic attacks, grief, phobias, and self-esteem issues. Many clients use these therapies to work through difficult life transitions or emotional patterns that feel “stuck.”
Hope Therapy 