ART incorporates a combination of techniques used in other psychotherapies, but in a unique and specific way. ART works directly to reprogram the way in which distressing memories and images are stored in the brain so that they no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions. It accomplishes this through visualization techniques and tuning into how the body is affected by distressing images or memories, enhanced through the use of rapid eye movements similar to eye movements that occur during dreaming. Although techniques similar to these are used in other types of therapy, such as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), ART’s very specific and directive approach can achieve rapid recovery from symptoms and reactions that may have been present for many years.

The client is always in control of the entire ART session, with the therapist guiding the process. Although some traumatic experiences, such as rape, combat experiences, or loss of a loved one can be very painful to think about or visualize, the therapy rapidly moves the client beyond the place where they are stuck in these experiences toward growth and positive changes. The process is very straightforward.

Physical and emotional reactions are addressed through relaxing eye movements, and a technique called voluntary image replacement is used to change the way in which the negative images are stored in the brain. The treatment is grounded in well-established psychotherapy techniques, and the end result is that traumas and difficult life experiences will no longer trigger strong emotions or physical reactions, and the client can move toward growth and healing. Clients do not even have to talk about their traumas or difficult life experiences with the therapist to achieve recovery.