06/22/2026
We're often asked, "What happens if I can't remember the traumatic memory?" or “What memory should I focus on in my session?”
Not knowing a specific memory to work with is a very common occurrence. Oftentimes, traumatic memories do not make it to the “cognitive level” where they can be remembered or even understood consciously. Instead, trauma is expressed through the body!
(That’s why talk therapy alone doesn’t often help move trauma)
The ART protocol addresses trauma that shows up in the body as sensations: sights, sounds, smells, or touch.
As a therapist guides a client through the steps, memories are processed and the client can start to “make sense” of the trauma experienced.
Whatever presents itself in the session is perfect for the time and space in a person’s healing.
As the distress response settles, some people find that their memories become clearer not because ART ‘creates’ new details, but because the original memory is no longer clouded by a trauma reaction.
This process is what gives ART an advantage over many traditional talk therapies, which primarily addresses conscious cognitions and memories. ART goes deeper, faster.
"Trust the process."
To train in ART or to find an ART trained therapist near you visit www.ARTworksnow.com