Why do some New Year’s resolutions stick while others fall flat within a few days or weeks? Motivation and resistance to change play significant roles in sustaining behavioral change. Accelerated resolution therapy (ART) can help break through those thought barriers. Using imaginal exposure and creative problem-solving to break through negative thoughts that are stumbling blocks to change, just a few sessions of ART can support your efforts at building new habits.
What’s Your Why?
Having a meaningful personal “why” for your resolution is the most critical driver for success. Many resolutions are based on “shoulds,” such as “I should lose weight” or “I should get more sleep.” If your focus is “should” rather than “why,” your motivation will be low or wane as the challenges increase. When you tap into your deeply held beliefs about why and how this change is essential, your motivation to push through the challenges stays stronger, and you’re more likely to succeed.
Resistance to change is a sign that your deeply held beliefs are getting in the way of taking action. Some thoughts may be in your conscious mind, such as “I’ll take a break today and get back to it tomorrow.” Other thoughts may be like faulty code in your operating system, deep in your subconscious, such as “You’ll never be able to achieve your goals.” Shining a light on that resistance and correcting the code in your operating system is necessary to break through resistance and make meaningful change.
What Is ART?
Entire industries are built around helping people develop a positive mindset to achieve success in any area of life, because mindset is a powerful force – but not all these techniques are equal.
ART is an evidence-based practice that quickly and effectively builds a positive, empowered mindset. It combines visualization and bilateral stimulation of the brain through eye movements or alternating vibrations using handheld buzzers. Bilateral stimulation activates the brain, enabling different parts to work together and identify solutions for rapid changes in thought, while also processing physical sensations that affect how you think and feel about various behaviors. This powerful combination results in imaginal exposure that is supercharged by the bilateral stimulation. Few other techniques change mindset so quickly.
During an ART session, the client first imagines the challenges they face in following their resolution. They might also identify experiences from earlier parts of their lives that led to negative beliefs and thought patterns. Bilateral stimulation enables memory recall and insights that would not otherwise come to light. Next, the client imagines success with their behavior changes and the rewards of sticking with their resolution. This positive visualization works like a waking dream, and clients can envision themselves using superpowers, magic, and other creative tools and strategies to reduce resistance, build motivation, and achieve positive outcomes. The rest of the session uses various steps to reinforce the positive imagery. Throughout the session, negative physical sensations are processed out, and positive sensations are increased. This process results in increased motivation and the clearing away of resistance. It also clarifies the personal “why.” Most clients leave each session feeling empowered, energized, and well-resourced to follow their goals.
If you are serious about following through on your New Year’s resolution this year, call for a free consultation to learn how Accelerated Resolution Therapy can supercharge your success.
Michal Klau-Stevens, LCSW, MPH, a master-trained ART therapist and certified psychedelic-assisted therapy provider, works with accelerated resolution therapy (ART) and ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP) because they work quickly to resolve trauma, treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. With ART and KAP, clients honor spirituality and soul work, expanding on traditional mental health treatment to treat the body, mind, and spirit.
Azure Psychotherapy, LLC, West Hartford/Bloomfield, CT. Visit: azure-psychotherapy.com or call 860.233.6914 to learn more.