Hello friends! My sister is getting a Masters Degree in Social Work, and she and I compare therapies and ideas on a daily basis. It’s been a phenomenal journey for both of us sharing everything we’re learning about the various powerful techniques that can help you create the life that you love.
Today I want to break down two powerful and innovative therapeutic approaches: Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT). While both of these therapies are designed to help people overcome trauma, anxiety, and limiting beliefs, they differ in several key areas. Let’s dive into what makes them unique and how to decide which one might be the right fit for you.
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?
ART is a relatively new, evidence-based form of therapy that focuses on helping individuals resolve emotional distress and traumatic memories. It combines elements of traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) techniques, using visualization and eye movements to shift the way distressing memories are stored in the brain.
The goal of ART is to allow you to reframe painful memories and emotions, without needing to go into full detail about the trauma. This makes ART less stressful for people who have difficulty speaking about their experiences. Through the process, you visualize the traumatic memory while following the therapist’s hand movements with your eyes. Over time, the memory becomes less emotionally charged.
Key Features of ART:
- Non-invasive: No need to verbally relive traumatic experiences.
- Quick results: Some people experience significant changes in just a few sessions.
- Memory reconsolidation: Traumatic memories are “reprogrammed” to feel less overwhelming.
- Focus on symptoms: ART focuses on reducing symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and other issues tied to trauma, often without needing to talk much about the trauma itself.
ART is especially effective for trauma survivors, those with PTSD, and people who struggle with intrusive thoughts or flashbacks. It’s fast and focused, usually requiring fewer than five sessions to achieve significant relief.
What is Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT)?
On the other hand, RTT was developed by world-renowned therapist Marisa Peer and integrates elements of hypnotherapy, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy. RTT is designed to rapidly uncover and address the root causes of emotional or psychological issues. Unlike ART, RTT requires delving deeper into the subconscious mind using hypnosis to access and reframe limiting beliefs.
During RTT, the therapist guides the client into a relaxed state (hypnosis) and helps them explore past memories and experiences that contribute to current struggles. The focus is on uncovering “blocks” or limiting beliefs that are holding the person back and transforming them into positive, empowering beliefs.
Key Features of RTT:
- Deep exploration: Uses hypnosis to uncover deep-rooted issues and memories.
- Holistic approach: Combines multiple therapeutic modalities to treat emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues.
- Powerful reframing: Focuses on changing core beliefs and reprogramming the subconscious mind.
- Long-lasting transformation: RTT aims for deep, permanent change by getting to the root of the issue.
RTT can address a wide range of issues including addiction, confidence problems, weight struggles, and relationship challenges. Sessions typically last longer than ART (up to two hours), but clients often see dramatic results after just one or two sessions.
The Differences Between ART and RTT
While both therapies aim for quick results and transformation, they differ in their methods and approaches. Here are the main differences:
- Therapeutic Method:
- ART: Uses guided eye movements and visualization to reframe painful memories without hypnosis or deep exploration of the subconscious.
- RTT: Employs hypnosis and guided regression to access the subconscious mind and address limiting beliefs at the root.
- Approach to Trauma:
- ART: Allows clients to process trauma without needing to discuss details of the event; focuses on symptom reduction.
- RTT: Encourages clients to explore the underlying causes of trauma or emotional pain and to reframe those causes through subconscious reprogramming.
- Session Length:
- ART: Shorter sessions (usually 60-90 minutes), with most clients needing only 1-5 sessions.
- RTT: Sessions last longer (up to two hours), but significant results can often be achieved in just one session.
- Client Experience:
- ART: Minimal talking about the trauma itself, making it less overwhelming for people who find revisiting painful memories too difficult.
- RTT: Requires more direct exploration of past experiences and limiting beliefs, which can sometimes be more emotionally intense.
- Long-Term Outcomes:
- ART: Primarily focuses on reducing or eliminating the symptoms of trauma, such as anxiety or flashbacks.
- RTT: Aims for deeper transformation by addressing and changing the root causes of issues, making it more suited for people who want to reprogram lifelong patterns of thought and behavior.
How to Choose Between ART and RTT
Deciding between ART and RTT largely depends on your personal preferences and therapeutic goals. If you’re looking for a therapy that can quickly relieve symptoms of trauma without going into the details, ART might be a great choice. It’s particularly effective for people who want relief from PTSD, anxiety, or intrusive thoughts without needing to relive their trauma in therapy.
If, however, you’re ready to dive deep into the underlying causes of your emotional or behavioral issues and make lasting changes to your beliefs, RTT may be more appropriate. The use of hypnosis and the holistic combination of therapeutic techniques make RTT a powerful tool for long-term transformation.
Both therapies offer the possibility of rapid change, but in very different ways. If you’re unsure which method might work best for you, consider reaching out to a qualified therapist who practices ART or RTT and asking for a consultation to see which feels like the best fit.
Remember, healing is personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. Trust yourself and your intuition in finding the therapy that feels right for you.
Here’s to your healing journey!
xoxo,
Karen Stanley
