Evidence-Based

ART is an evidence-based treatment that has shown very promising results in studies to date, especially those involving PTSD and bereavement.

ART is firmly grounded in techniques used in well-established evidence-based treatments, including exposure through visualization, visualized in-vivo exposure, relaxation/stress inoculation facilitated by eye movements, re-scripting of negative images, Gestalt techniques, and others.

Key Findings (to date)

Supporting Evidence

Rapid outcomes

(average of 3–4 sessions; as few as 1)

  • In a randomized controlled trial of combat-related PTSD (Military Medicine, 2013; N = 57), participants achieved large reductions in symptoms of PTSD after a median of three sessions (Kip et al., 2013a).
  • A community-based civilian trial (Behavioral Sciences, 2012; N = 80) likewise showed substantial reductions in symptoms of PTSD within one to five ART sessions (Kip et al., 2012).
  • A veteran cohort including community residents and residents of a homeless shelter (Nursing Outlook, 2016; N = 117) reported large, comparable reductions in symptoms of PTSD (Kip et al., 2016).
  • Brief treatment courses with ART have consistently produced durable results, with sustained well-being demonstrated in follow-up work (OMEGA – Journal of Death & Dying, 2022; Belew et al.).

Effectiveness in PTSD
  • ART produces clinically significant and lasting reductions in PTSD and comorbid symptoms across both military and civilian settings:
    • In a controlled comparison of ART vs. waitlist (Military Medicine, 2015; N = 80), ART recipients showed markedly greater improvement in symptom of PTSD and depression.
    • In a randomized trial for complicated grief (Journal of Aging & Health, 2020; N = 54), participants demonstrated broad reductions in PTSD, grief, and depressive symptoms (Buck et al., 2020).
    • A replication study in previously treated veterans (Military Medicine, 2023; N = 86) demonstrated significant symptom reduction among individuals with PTSD unresponsive to prior Cognitive Processin

Broad symptom impact

(depression, grief, comorbidity)

  • Across multiple peer-reviewed investigations, ART alleviates co-occurring depression, anxiety, and grief alongside trauma relief:
    • In Frontiers in Psychiatry (Kip et al., 2013b; N = 80), participants exhibited significant reductions in both PTSD and depressive symptoms after ART.
    • The complicated-grief RCT (Journal of Aging & Health, 2020; N = 54) demonstrated parallel improvements in emotional well-being and daily functioning.
    • Veteran observational data (Nursing Outlook, 2016; N = 117) echoed these multi-domain benefits, including reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality.

Sustained / durable effect

Across all longitudinal analyses, ART’s therapeutic gains have been maintained for months after treatment completion:

  • The grief RCT and follow-up (Journal of Aging & Health, 2020; OMEGA – Journal of Death & Dying, 2022) documented enduring remission of grief and PTSD symptoms with higher life-satisfaction scores at follow-up.
  • In military populations, symptom reductions persisted for at least six months post-intervention (Military Medicine, 2015; N = 80).
  • Cohort studies across diverse clinical contexts (Kip et al., 2012–2016) report similar durability of outcome without need for extended treatment courses.

Evidence Base

In-Progress Trials

Other / Perspective / Commentary