ART can help with grief and loss

Grief is not something we “get over.”
It’s something we learn to carry differently over time.

For many people, grief softens gradually. But sometimes, it doesn’t.

Sometimes the memory of the hospital room, the phone call, the accident, or the final conversation feels frozen — vivid, intrusive, and emotionally overwhelming. When that happens, grief can feel less like sadness and more like trauma.

This is where Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) can help.

When Grief Feels Stuck

You might notice:

• Replaying the final moments over and over

• Intense waves of guilt or regret

• Avoiding reminders of the person

• Physical anxiety when thinking about the loss

• Feeling emotionally “numb”

These reactions don’t mean you’re grieving incorrectly. It could mean your nervous system hasn’t fully processed what happened.

How ART Works with Grief

Accelerated Resolution Therapy helps the brain reprocess distressing memories using guided eye movements and imagery techniques.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, you don’t have to describe every detail of the loss aloud. ART focuses on how the memory is stored in the brain and helps reduce the emotional intensity attached to it.

The goal isn’t to erase the memory or the love you have for the person.

The goal is to reduce the suffering tied to the painful aspects of the memory.

Many people report:

• Feeling calmer when thinking about the loss

• Less intrusive imagery

• Reduced guilt

• Greater ability to access positive memories

Online Grief Therapy in Iowa

If you live in Iowa — whether in Des Moines, Dubuque, Davenport, Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, or a rural community — online therapy can provide consistent support without the added stress of travel.

I provide online grief counseling and trauma-informed therapy, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), for individuals across Iowa.

I invite you to reach out.