Advanced Counseling and Research Services

About Us

Individuals generally seek professional counseling services to deal with normal life situations that have become problematic. In some cases, individuals struggle with problems over a long period of time before seeking assistance. In most cases, individuals seek counseling when normal coping mechanisms are no longer effective in dealing with problem situations.

ACRS specializes in psychotraumatology vs typical therapy. This private counseling practice serves the adult population and selected adolescents. The services provided include individual and small group therapy. This is a general counseling practice for individuals experiencing problems related to relationships, substance abuse, and non-medical mental health and who are willing to actively participate in therapy.

Psychotraumatology

Psychotraumatology is the study of psychological trauma. Specifically, this discipline is involved with treating, preventing, and researching traumatic situations and people's reactions to them. It particularly focuses on the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder (ASD), but can be used to treat any adverse reactions a person may have after experiencing a traumatic event.

The emergence of psychotraumatology as a field begins with the legitimization of PTSD as a psychological disorder. Symptoms of PTSD have been continuously reported in the context of war since the 6th century B.C., but it was not officially recognized as a valid disorder until it finally classified by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1980. Once it was officially recognized as an issue, clinical research on PTSD increased dramatically, giving way to the field of psychotraumatology.The term "psychotraumatology" was coined by George S. Everly, Jr. and Jeffrey M. Lating in the text entitled "Psychotraumatology" (1995).

Psychotrauma continues to be of major concern within the American Society today, its after effect on individuals continue to be a mental health problem of epic proportions as seen throughout the United States (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2013). While many limit trauma to natural catastrophic occurring events, counselors are often faced with clients reporting personal traumatic issues related to unwanted sexual, psychological, emotional, and physical abuse perpetrated by another over a longer period of time. The response to trauma related to natural events also differs from responses to man-made events. In many cases, resources associated with natural occurring catastrophic events are made to states and communities designed to meet the physical, emotional, and safety needs of the victims of the event, and such victims are quickly identified simply because they live in a particular geographical region. Responses to personal trauma are often less timely and inclusive since victims hesitate to identify themselves or learn to tolerate the abusive patterns of others. Self-shame, low self-esteem, lack of power and control, often keep victims exposed to consistent personal trauma over long periods of time leading to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness (Friedman, Resick, Bryant, Strain, Horowitz, & Spiegel, 2011). One behavioral element that appears to be emerging from the literature is the relationship between trauma and substance abuse disorders. In particular, little is found within the literature to determine the impact of type and duration of trauma on substance abuse severity.

Schedule an Appointment

Types of Counseling We Offer

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling clients pay a fee per session. These 1:1 sessions are typically held in person or via telehealth and last for approximately 50 minutes weekly or bi-weekly.

Book an Appointment

Concierge Counseling

Specialized Counseling relationship between client and therapist designed to provide Mental and Behavioral health care models in which the client pays monthly, bi-weekly, or annual fee to see their clinician. Concierge counseling provides a mechanism for our elite professionals to continue with services while engaging in their day to day lives with little to no disruptions.

Book an Appointment

Group Counseling

Counselors typically meet with multiple clients at the same time once a week for 90 minutes for psychoeducation and support.

Current Group

Healing Techniques

Healing Techniques is a coping skills and psychoeducational group for individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, coping skills use, etc. Group lasts an hour and a half and consists of supportive and interactive time with both a licensed therapist and peers who can relate to common issues. This allows for growth, accountability, and support on an ongoing basis.

Philosophy

Individuals have the innate capacity to change their behavior
Problematic behavior is situation specific and can be defined as the integration of the cognitive, affective, and physical behavior domains
Individuals function as part of systems. Change by one element may force change throughout the system
People are responsible for their own behavior

Our Clinicians and Staff

Clinicians

Cheryl Wilson-Smith

Doctoral Candidate, M.A., L.P.C., C.T., N.C.C., C.C.M.H.C., C.C.T.P.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Certified Traumatologist (CT), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I have over 15 yrs of clinical experience and have worked with clients across the lifespan. My diversified training and experience include assignments in hospital-based emergency departments, community residential programs, community case management agencies, and outpatient programs. As a Traumatologist, I serve as a subject matter expert, for various institutions, private and public. My volunteer consulting and field work as a Disaster Mental Health (DMH), Disaster Behavioral Health (DBH), and Government Liaison through the American Red Cross, the Green Cross, and the Medical Reserve Corp provides me the ability to traverse and participate in Critical Incident Stress Managements (CISM) for local law enforcement, businesses and organizations.

Shelby Brightbill

MA, LPC, CAADC

Thank you for your interest in my bio! I have wanted to be a therapist since I was a little kid. I received my BA in Psychology at the University of Delaware and began working at Caron Treatment Centers in Wernersville, PA shortly thereafter. I went back to school while still working at Caron and received my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kutztown University. I am an official CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) for PTSD provider and am trained in EMDR. I also have training in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and have my CAADC (Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor). I have been in the field for over 7 years and a therapist for nearly 5. I hold my LPC with the state of PA and am continuously seeking further training and research. My specialties include trauma, addiction, personality disorders, anxiety, and attachment/relationships.

Jenna Wolfe

MA, LPC, CAADC

Jenna has been counseling since 2010 and has a demonstrated history of working with adults and young adults, both individually and in group therapy. Jenna is skilled in Person Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and is a trauma informed and a resilience oriented provider. She values a collaborative approach with her clients and their needs while determining appropriate treatment modalities.

John Goldman

LCSW, CAADC

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who is certified as an EMDR Therapist as well as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. In my practice I strive to create a judgment free safe space for clients to explore their past and begin to heal in the present.

Office Staff

Lexx Lencheski-Smith

Administrative Officer

Hi, I'm Lexx. I've been with ACRS since 2017. Dr. Paul West first hired me to help with computer work when I was in 10th grade. Since then, I have moved into several positions within the company from tech support, billing manager, to now their administration officer. I recently graduated (2020) from Wilson High School, West Lawn, where I enjoyed being the President of Wilson Media Productions and Co-President of the Gay Straight Alliance. My time was spent learning and enjoying TV production and illustration. I currently, am a Freshman at the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah Ga. where my program of study is “Film and Television.” My favorite color palette is yellow ochre, seafoam green, and pastel pink.

Getting Started with Therapy

We can't wait to meet you, but before we can have our first appointment, we need some paperwork.

Download Paperwork

(Please note that a failure to return your paperwork within 24 hours of your appointment will result in the need to reschedule. We cannot hold your first appointment without it.)

Appointments are available both in person at our Lancaster office or via secure telehealth platform. In-person availability is limited based on each clinician's schedule.

The first time you meet with us, we'll do an intake assessment, where we gather facts and background information from you so that we can assess what's going on and how we can help. This appointment is likely to feel more clinical than a normal appointment. (And that's okay) Your next appointment will be more conversational in nature.

After your first appointment, you and your clinician will set a schedule that works best for both of you to meet moving forward.

While you wait for your first appointment, please familiarize yourself with our financial and HIPAA policies.

Schedule an Appointment (links to schedule info from home page)

Interested in our Professional Services?

In addition to our counseling services, ACRS offers supervision of clinicians for licensure, as well as professional accountability, education, and research support.

Learn More