Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) in Minnesota: Fast, Effective Healing for Trauma and Anxiety

May 15

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to talk about it anymore—I just want to feel better,” I want you to know that there’s a therapy that understands.

It’s called Accelerated Resolution Therapy, or ART, and it’s a breakthrough approach to healing trauma, anxiety, grief, and painful memories—without having to relive it all in detail.

So... What Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?

Accelerated Resolution Therapy is a short-term, trauma-informed therapy that uses a combination of eye movements and guided imagery to help your brain process and reframe distressing memories.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, ART helps you:

Process painful emotions quickly
Replace upsetting images with ones you choose
Experience relief—often in just one to three sessions

And no, you don’t have to talk through every detail. You’re in control the entire time.

Why ART Works (And Why It Feels So Different)

ART uses rapid eye movements (similar to what happens in REM sleep) to calm your nervous system and shift your brain into a more relaxed, creative state. When you're in that state, it’s easier to reprocess painful memories and emotional triggers without feeling overwhelmed.

Think of it like this:
Your brain finally gets a chance to rewrite the story—and this time, you’re the one holding the pen.

As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I use ART in my work with women who are navigating trauma, loss, stress, and life transitions. What I love about it? Clients often feel better faster. They walk away saying things like:

“I didn’t think this could change—but it did.”
“It’s like the weight is finally gone.”

Who Is ART For?

I use ART with women facing all kinds of emotional heaviness, including:

Job-related trauma (especially in first responders & healthcare workers)
PTSD and trauma from past experiences
Anxiety, panic, and chronic stress
Grief and complicated loss
Depression, emotional shutdown, or lingering guilt
Painful memories or images that just won’t go away

If you're someone who’s strong for everyone else but exhausted on the inside, ART can help you feel like you again.

What to Expect in an ART Session

An ART session is gentle, guided, and focused. You don’t have to dig deep into painful details, and you don’t have to “be ready” to talk it all out.

Here’s what clients typically experience:

A sense of calm and emotional relief during or shortly after the session
Lessened reactivity to trauma triggers or past memories
Feeling lighter, more present, and even joyful
Control over the pace and content of the session

It’s not hypnosis. You’re fully awake and in charge the whole time.
It’s not magic—but it can feel like a breakthrough.

Why I Use ART in My Practice

I’ve seen firsthand how much this tool can change someone’s life, without years of talking or rehashing trauma.

As a trauma-informed therapist, I know how hard it is to carry the things you don’t talk about. I also know healing doesn’t have to take forever. ART offers a path forward that’s fast, focused, and deeply empowering.

Ready to Learn More or Try ART?

If you're feeling stuck in survival mode, emotionally overwhelmed, or just plain tired of carrying it all, Accelerated Resolution Therapy can help you move forward on your terms.

Schedule a free consultation. You don’t have to keep reliving it. You can feel better. And I’m here to help you get there.

Melissa Spicer, MS, LPCC

Melissa is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional based in Minnesota. She specializes in supporting women in high-stress roles—like first responders, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement spouses—as well as those navigating major life transitions. With a compassionate, honest approach, she offers personalized, trauma-informed therapy in a safe, grounded, and judgment-free space.