Are you searching for rapid, evidence-based therapy to resolve trauma, anxiety, or troubling memories in Edmonton and St. Albert? Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an innovative and effective approach designed to quickly reduce the impact of trauma, PTSD, anxiety, phobias, and other mental health challenges. At Wholesome Psychology, our compassionate, skilled therapists offer ART in a welcoming, client-centered environment, helping you move forward with renewed hope and resilience. If you’re considering your first session or want to learn about ART in-depth, read more about Accelerated Resolution Therapy here.
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy is a short-term, structured form of psychotherapy that uses a combination of proven therapeutic techniques to help people rapidly overcome the effects of distressing experiences. ART draws elements from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), guided imagery, and eye movements—similar to EMDR but more directive and solution-focused. ART’s primary goal is to help you process and release the emotional pain associated with traumatic events, anxieties, or painful memories, often within one to five sessions.
How Does ART Work?
In an ART session, your therapist will gently guide you through relaxing eye movements while you recall distressing images or memories. This process enables your brain to reprocess the events in a new, less disturbing way, effectively reducing the emotional charge and associated symptoms. Unlike traditional talk therapy, you aren’t required to share every detail of your experience aloud. ART can bring relief without repeatedly revisiting past trauma—making it a preferred approach for many individuals.
- Rapid results: Many clients experience significant improvement in as few as 1-5 sessions.
- Non-invasive: ART doesn’t require ongoing re-telling of traumatic memories.
- Empowering: You are always in control during the session, with full support from your therapist.
- Adaptable: Useful for a wide range of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, substance use, and more.
What Can Accelerated Resolution Therapy Help With?
ART has been proven to help adults, teens, and even children living in Edmonton, St. Albert, and across Alberta. Common concerns successfully addressed with ART include:
What Makes ART Different from EMDR or Traditional Therapy?
While ART and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) both use eye movements to reprocess traumatic memories, ART is distinct in its rapid, directive, and protocol-driven approach. ART sessions tend to be shorter, and you don’t have to discuss traumatic details at length if you choose not to. Many clients find ART less emotionally intense yet equally, if not more, effective for fast symptom reduction.
At Wholesome Psychology, our therapists are trained in both ART and other advanced trauma therapies, ensuring you receive the approach that best fits your comfort, goals, and healing journey. If you’re interested in exploring other trauma therapies, like EMDR Therapy or Trauma Therapy, we can help you understand your options.
What to Expect During ART at Wholesome Psychology
Your healing journey starts with a compassionate intake and assessment, where we get to know you and your unique experiences. We’ll collaborate with you to determine if ART is an optimal fit or if another counseling approach may better support your needs. During ART sessions at our Edmonton or St. Albert clinics, you can expect:
- A safe, supportive, non-judgmental space
- Personalized attention from a registered psychologist or therapist with specialized ART training
- Clear explanation of the ART process, session structure, and what you can expect afterwards
- Privacy and respect for your boundaries—your comfort comes first
- A blended approach if you wish, combining ART with other therapies as needed for ongoing support
Is ART Right for You?
ART is suitable for adults, youth, and even children dealing with trauma, anxiety, phobias, grief, and other mental health issues. Some find ART particularly beneficial when other therapies haven’t resolved deeply rooted distress. You might consider ART if you want:
- Relief from trauma symptoms—without narration of every detail
- Freedom from persistent anxiety or fears
- To move forward from loss, grief, or guilt
- A rapid, structured, and empowering approach
- To regain a sense of calm, safety, and control in your life
Our trauma-informed therapists always take your preferences, strengths, and readiness into account. If you’d like to know more about our clinicians, please visit our therapists page or read about Wholesome Psychology.
Why Choose Wholesome Psychology for ART in Edmonton & St. Albert?
- Deep Commitment to Compassion: We’re known for our supportive, non-judgmental approach and for honoring every individual’s unique healing process.
- Excellence & Integrity: Our therapists are highly trained in trauma modalities and use evidence-based techniques in every session.
- Local Focus: We are deeply rooted in Edmonton and St. Albert, attuned to the unique needs of our local community. You can also learn about our North Edmonton location or St. Albert (Jensen Lakes) and St. Albert (Campbell Park) offices for more information.
- Holistic Support: Whether you’re seeking brief intervention with ART or ongoing support, we partner with you every step of the way. Explore our full range of services.
We believe everyone deserves to feel safe, empowered, and understood. At Wholesome Psychology, our goal is to help you restore well-being and confidence as you reclaim your story.
Frequently Asked Questions about ART
How quickly does ART work?
Many people notice significant improvements after just 1-3 sessions, though some concerns may require up to 5 sessions or slightly more for complex trauma.
What issues does Accelerated Resolution Therapy treat?
ART is effective for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic, phobias, grief, performance anxiety, and symptoms related to distressing memories. Learn about our other services.
Is ART safe for children or teens?
Yes—ART can be beneficial for many younger clients, with a modified approach that honours their developmental stage and readiness. We offer adolescent counseling and child and youth therapy for families in Edmonton and St. Albert.
Can I combine ART with other therapies?
Absolutely. Many clients blend ART with ongoing therapy or trauma support. We’ll guide you in building a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.
How do I get started?
Book a free consultation with our therapy team, or call to learn more. We serve individuals from all backgrounds, including first responders, front-line workers, children, and adults across Edmonton and St. Albert. Get started here or contact us.
Book Your Accelerated Resolution Therapy Session in Edmonton or St. Albert
Taking the first step toward healing is courageous, and we’re honored to walk alongside you. If you are navigating trauma, distress, anxiety, or want to explore how ART can help you thrive, reach out to our caring team today.
If you are ready to reclaim your story and live with greater peace and resilience, connect with Wholesome Psychology in Edmonton or St. Albert today.
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