Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) in Utah County

Healing Trauma with Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Quick. Gentle. Lasting.
Without retelling the whole story

I’m a Master Certified ART marriage & family therapist serving American Fork, Lehi, Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, Pleasant Grove, Highland, Alpine, Lindon, Orem, Provo and the surrounding Utah County communities. ART is a brief, research-supported therapy that helps the brain reprocess painful images and sensations so they no longer trigger overwhelming reactions. Many clients notice meaningful relief in just a few sessions.

What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a structured, image-based therapy that helps the brain reconsolidate distressing memories and body sensations so they feel less triggering over time. You stay awake and in control; we move at a pace that’s steady and consent-based.

People often seek ART when talk therapy feels like it keeps them “in the story,” but their nervous system is still stuck in alarm—intrusive images, panic surges, nightmares, shutdown, or grief that spikes in the body. ART can be especially useful for defined targets (a specific event, scene, or recurring trigger). Results vary, and complex trauma may require phased work, but the goal is consistent: help your body and mind stop reacting as if the threat is still present.

What to Expect in a Session

ART is not hypnosis; you remain aware and in charge the whole time.

1. Brief check-in & goal: We identify the scene, feeling, or trigger you want relief from.

2. Eye-movement sets: You follow my hand with your eyes (or an equivalent visual), while noticing thoughts, sensations, and emotions.

3. Calming & body resets: We reduce distress as it arises so you stay in control throughout.

4. Voluntary Image replacement: We update the brain’s “stuck” imagery with healthier, accurate conclusions.

5. Closure & next steps: You leave grounded, with a plan for the week.

How ART Helps with Trauma

Trauma can keep you stuck—mentally, emotionally, and even physically. You might find yourself triggered by memories, overwhelmed by anxiety, or unable to fully connect in your relationships. ART works by helping you:

• Desensitize distressing memories

• Reframe negative beliefs that came from the trauma

• Calm the nervous system, reducing symptoms like anxiety and hypervigilance

• Build resilience and confidence moving forward

Many clients begin to feel relief in just 1–5 sessions, making ART both efficient and empowering.

How ART Helps with Couples & Relationships

Trauma often shows up between partners as reactivity, shutdown, or mistrust. I frequently pair ART (to resolve triggers and intrusive imagery) with Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy to rebuild safety, connection, and teamwork.

A Safe, Structured Experience

ART is not hypnosis, and you control the pace. As with any trauma-focused therapy, we’ll screen for current safety, stability, and medical considerations (e.g., seizure history, cardiac/respiratory issues, pregnancy, ocular problems) and coordinate care as needed.

As a certified ART practitioner, I guide each session with care and respect for your experience. You are always in control of the pace and process. The goal isn’t to erase what happened—but to help your brain and body stop reacting as though it’s still happening.

Is ART Right for You?

Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, childhood trauma, relationship wounds, or even performance-related anxiety, ART can be a gentle and effective way to move forward. It's especially helpful for clients who feel stuck in traditional talk therapy or want a more focused approach to healing. If you are struggling with any of the following, ART can help!

Curious about ART intensives?

If you’re interested in a focused, 1–2 day ART intensive instead of weekly sessions, you can share your interest and questions here.

FAQs

Do I have to talk about what happened?
Not necessarily. Many clients prefer to process without sharing details; I’ll guide the steps and track your level of distress to keep you safe.

Will I feel worse between sessions?
Most clients leave each session feeling measurably better than they started; we don’t end until you’re grounded. Occasionally people feel tired afterward—normal when your brain has worked hard.

Is ART evidence-based?
ART has randomized controlled trials for PTSD and complicated grief showing significant symptom reduction in ~3–4 sessions. Research is growing, and we’ll discuss options transparently.

Ready to Begin?

Serving American Fork, Lehi, Highland, Alpine, Pleasant Grove, and Saratoga Springs.
Call/Text: 801-210-9147 • Email: matthew@benavidezlmft.com • Contact to schedule a consult.