Calm the Alarm: How ART Helps with Phobias & Panic
What’s really happening in panic and phobias?
The brain’s alarm system can get “stuck on.” Even when you’re technically safe, your body reads cues—bridges, freeways, flights, needles—as danger. White-knuckling through it helps briefly, but the alarm often returns.
How ART helps
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) uses guided eye movements and imagery rescripting to help your nervous system reconsolidate distressing memories and body cues. We target a specific trigger (e.g., driving, flying, heights, medical settings), and work in structured sets to reduce distress so your world opens up again. Results vary.
What a session is like
Target: We choose a trigger or memory to start with.
Guided sets: I cue eye movements; you notice body/imagery shifts.
Imagery rescripting: Replace distressing images with preferred calming imagery.
Pacing & control: Breaks, grounding, and consent throughout.
Between-session supports
Gentle exposure in small, safe steps
Short breath practice or prayer/reflection before triggers
Track wins: distance driven, time on a plane, lab visit completed
When ART may be a fit
Specific phobias (driving, bridges, heights, flying, needles)
Panic episodes linked to particular cues
You prefer a focused, directive approach with minimal verbal detail
