ART takes a problem and puts the most distressing elements into a “Scene.” Just like watching a movie scene, you view your scene while engaging in bilateral eye movement. Through eye movement and metaphorical tools, you become desensitized to the triggers thus resulting in less intense sensations, emotions, and reactions.

The bilateral stimulation of eye movements is a nervous system hack naturally occurring during the REM stage of sleep. It helps produce feelings of calm and relaxation while decreasing physiological arousal. When completed during waking hours, bilateral stimulation can be used for creative problem-solving and insight which aid in emotional processing of distressing memories.

For many, it isn’t the facts which cause us distress, it’s the images associated with the event(s). ART activates the reconsolidation window—a period of time during which activated memories are malleable and susceptible to change. ART uses positive imagery replacement to help you flip the script. While the facts of the situation are still there, the upsetting images and sensations have been replaced.