Accelerated Resolution Therapy is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that utilizes back and forth eye movements to help clients address problems of anxiety and PTSD symptoms. At times ART is effective in helping traumatized clients to overcome painful and traumatic memories that trigger stress and emotional instability in their life. It is not the same as EMDR, however they both use eye movements.
Acceptance and commitment therapy is an evidence based therapy, which employs acceptance and mindfulness concepts to provide positive behavioral-change and psychological flexibility. Much like mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, ACT attempts to allow the therapy seeker to actively accept and embrace their thoughts, feelings, and memories. It is the goal of ACT to help the therapy seeker to simply observe their psychological situation and break through their psychological rigidity.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that explores the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT holds the belief system that your thoughts and beliefs direct your feelings and behaviors. Subsequently, it is the aim of CBT to identify, explore, and eliminate distortions in thinking which have led to the symptoms of mental illness. By understanding and recognizing the thought distortions, people learn to modify their patterns of thinking to ultimately improve their mental health and lead a positive life. Those that engage in CBT can expect a goal-directed and problem-solving approach in therapy.
Exposure therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, which is often used to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and phobias. In exposure therapy, the individual learns to gain control over their fear(s). Therapy makes use of learning relaxation techniques, exercises, and guided imagery to gradually work up to facing the central stressor(s).