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, 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 mean of 3.7 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 randomized controlled trial published in Military Medicine (2013), ART recipients (vs. an attention control group) showed significantly greater reductions in symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trauma-related guilt immediately post-treatment and at 3-month follow-up.
    • 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 Military Medicine (2023) subgroup analysis of data from an earlier ART veteran cohort found significant PTSD symptom improvement among participants, including those previously treated with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).

Broad symptom impact

(depression, grief, comorbidity)

  • Across multiple peer-reviewed investigations, ART alleviates co-occurring depression, anxiety, and grief alongside trauma relief:
    • In a 2013 prospective cohort trial (Kip et al., 2013b; N = 80), participants exhibited significant reductions in both PTSD and depressive symptoms after ART.
    • In a randomized controlled trial of ART in complicated grief (Journal of Aging & Health, 2020; N = 54) participants demonstrated significant improvements in emotional well-being and daily functioning.
    • In an observational study of veterans (Nursing Outlook, 2016; N = 117) subjects demonstrated multi-domain benefits, including reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality.

Sustained / durable effect
  • Across multiple peer-reviewed publications, ART was shown to alleviate symptoms of depression, prolonged grief, and anxiety:
    • A randomized controlled trial in complicated grief (Journal of Aging & Health, 2020) showed significant symptom reduction, with an observation follow-up (OMEGA – Journal of Death & Dying, 2022) documenting maintenance of gains and higher life satisfaction over time.
    • In military populations, symptom reductions persisted for at least six months post-intervention (Military Medicine, 2015; N = 80).
    • In cohort studies of diverse clinical populations (Kip et al., 2012–2016) researchers reported similar durability of outcome without need for extended treatment courses.

Evidence Base

In-Progress Trials

Other / Perspective / Commentary