Trauma and PTSD Therapy Experts

Psychotraumatology Practice Serving Pennsylvania and Florida
In-Person and Online Trauma and PTSD Therapy
Advanced Counseling and Research Services
Liberty Place
313 West Liberty Street, Ste. 224
Lancaster, PA 17603
Tel. 717-394-3994Fax: (717) 394-0124email: acrs@advanced-counseling.com
Person Suffering from Trauma or PTSD
"ACRS Trauma-Informed Care Specialists Can and Will Help You

Trauma therapy plays a crucial role in our lives because Trauma is something that everyone encounters at some point. You may have PTSD after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Your experience with Trauma is distinct and shaped by your circumstances. How you react to Trauma and PTSD can vary widely based on your background, resilience, and the support systems you have in place.

If you or someone you know is facing challenges related to Trauma or has PTSD, contact our Trauma and PTSD experts at Advanced Counseling and Research Services. Help can be a crucial first step toward your recovery. Our compassionate team of highly qualified Trauma therapists is here to help support you. We can and will help you. You don't have to go on suffering because your healing does start here. Contact Us today.

Our Service Area

  • ACRS is currently licensed in Pennsylvania and Florida.
  • Residents of other states who travel to our office in Pennsylvania or Florida qualify for treatment.
  • Telehealth users must be located in Pennsylvania or Florida during their Telehealth session.

Our office is conveniently located near:

  • Reading: ~40 min. (approx. 35 mi.);
  • Harrisburg: ~45 min. (approx. 40 mi.);
  • York: ~30 min. (approx. 25 miles); and
  • Lebanon: ~30 min. (approx. 25 mi.)
Do you live further away?
Consider ACRS Telehealth Counseling.

What Is the Difference Between Trauma and PTSD?

Trauma

Girl Experiencing Trauma

Trauma refers to the emotional and psychological response to a distressing event or series of events. You will experience Trauma in your lifetime. It can result from various experiences including

  • accidents,
  • natural disasters,
  • violence,
  • or loss.
Your reaction to Trauma is unique to you.

Not everyone who experiences Trauma will develop PTSD.

PTSD

Man Experiencing PTSD

PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a specific mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While you usually associate PTSD with the military, police, firefighters, and first responders, it can happen to anyone. However, unlike Trauma, it doesn't necessarily happen to everyone.

Symptoms include

  • intrusive memories,
  • avoidance of reminders of the Trauma,
  • negative changes in mood and cognition, and
  • heightened anxiety and irritability.

We Understand How Trauma and PTSD Makes You Feel

When people express a desire to get rid of Trauma or PTSD, they often articulate a range of feelings, thoughts, and hopes. Individuals might share some common themes and sentiments regarding their wish to overcome or eliminate Trauma. Do they apply to you?

Desire for Healing

"I just want to feel normal again," or "I want to move on with my life without this pain."

Frustration with Symptoms

"I’m tired of feeling this way," or "I want to stop reliving the past."

Hope for a Better Future

"I believe I can overcome this," or "I want to find peace and happiness again."

Desire for Understanding

"I want others to understand what I’ve been through," or "I wish people would stop telling me to just get over it."

Seeking Control

"I want to take back my life," or "I want to stop feeling like a victim."

Longing for Closure

"I want to put this behind me," or "I need to find a way to let go of the past."

Need for Support

"I need help to get through this," or "I wish I had someone to talk to who understands."

We do understand how you're feeling, and we're here to help you. We can help you.

Trauma Therapist Supporting Patient

Our expert and compassionate clinicians understand your feelings, and we can help you. The hope and healing you're looking for is a phone call away.

Call us today at 717-394-3994or Contact Us Online

Understanding Your Trauma Helps You Heal

How Does Trauma Affect the Brain?

Healing from Trauma Video Thumbnail
Play Video

Watch this video to find out:

  • How your Automatic Nervous System (ANS) affects your mental and physical wellness.
  • How Trauma can adversely affect your ANS.
  • Why Trauma is a response to an experience and not the event itself.
  • The Types of Trauma.
  • Steps you can take to heal your ANS and recover from Trauma

 

What Is Psychotraumatology?

  • It is the interdisciplinary study of psychological Trauma and its effects on individuals and communities.
  • It encompasses the understanding of how traumatic experiences impact your
    • mental health,
    • behavior, and
    • overall well-being.
  • Provides a comprehensive approach to Trauma and PTSD treatment and recover by integrating knowledge from
    • psychology,
    • psychiatry,
    • neuroscience, and
    • social sciences

What is Trauma and PTSD Therapy?

We utilize evidence-based techniques to address the emotional and psychological effects of Trauma, enabling you to regain control over your life. Evidence-based trauma treatment modalities are therapeutic approaches that have been scientifically validated through research to effectively address the symptoms and effects of Trauma
While treatment modalities for Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have some similarities, they also have distinct differences due to the nature of the conditions.

The choice of modality often depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the nature of their Trauma Therefore, it's crucial for your therapist to be trained in these approaches and to tailor treatment to your unique circumstances of each client to achieve the best outcomes.

Trauma Therapy Modalities (Techniques)

Our Trauma-Informed Care incorporates various therapeutic modalities, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing your negative thought patterns and behaviors .
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): is a type of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy that focuses on helping you develop skills to manage your emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and cope with distressing situations.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Helps you process and integrate traumatic memories.
  • Narrative Therapy: Encourages you to tell your stories, helping you to make sense of your experiences.
  • Somatic Experiencing: Focuses on your body’s physical response to Trauma and aims to release stored tension and trauma
  • Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Includes meditation and deep breathing to help you manage Trauma-related stress and anxiety.
  • Psychoeducation: Educating you about Trauma and its effects can help you understand your experiences and develop coping strategies.

PTSD Therapy Modalities (Techniques)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): While CBT is used for Trauma, it is also a primary treatment for PTSD, focusing on addressing your specific symptoms and thought patterns.
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): is a type of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy that focuses on helping you develop skills to manage your emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and cope with distressing situations.
  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Involves gradual exposure to trauma-related memories and situations to reduce avoidance and anxiety.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is effective for both Trauma and PTSD, but it is particularly well-studied for PTSD.
  • Medication
  • Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Similar to Trauma Treatment, these techniques can help manage PTSD symptoms.

Outpatient Trauma and PTSD Trauma-Informed Care at ACRS

Individual Treatment
Individual Trauma and PTSD Treatment Programs

We offer individualized treatment In-Person or via Telehealth on your computer, tablet, or smart phone.

Group Treatment
Group Trauma and PTSD Treatment Programs

Facilitated sessions where you share your experiences and support each other in a group setting.

Online Telehealth Treatment
Telehealth Trauma and PTSD Treatment Programs

Allows you to receive online mental health support for trauma-related issues through digital platforms.

Concierge Counseling
Concierge Trauma and PTSD Counseling

Personalized and often luxury approach to mental health care that typically offers you more service, privacy, and customization than traditional therapy settings.

Specialized Programs

Programs tailored for specific populations, including:

  • Children;
  • Veterans;
  • Survivors of domestic violence; and
  • Individuals with substance use disorders.

Our Trauma-Informed Clinicians


Cheryl Wilson-Smith
CEO and Chief Clinical Officer
CEO and Chief Clinical Officer Cheryl Wilson-Smith
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC);
    • Pa. Lic. PC006514
    • Fl. Lic. TPMC1044 
  • Certified Traumatologist (CT)
  • National Certified Counselor (NCC)
  • Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
  • Certified in Emergency Crisis Response (CECR)
  • Master of Arts (MA)
  • 20+ years of clinical experience.
  • Worked with clients across the lifespan.

Read Cheryl's Profile

Jenna M. Wolfe
Clinician and Licensure Supervisor
Trauma Therapist Jenna Wolfe
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (PA-13890)
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC)
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
  • Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (C-DBT)
  • Certified Mindfulness Informed Professional (CMIP)
  • Master of Arts (MA)

Skilled in Person Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Read Jenna's Profile

Cady R. Monasmith
Clinician
Trauma Therapist Cady Monosmith
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (PA-015668)
  • Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (C-DBT)
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
  • Certified Dancing Mindfulness Facilitator (CDMF)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Practiced in artistic expressionism, specifically dance and other performing arts.

Read Cady's Profile

Kim Civitarese
Professional Counselor
Trauma Therapist Kim Civitarese
  • Cognitive Processing Therapist (CPT)
    Pre-licensed Clinician

Experience working with adolescents, couples, the elderly population, blended families, and families in the adoption process.

Read Kim's Profile

Philip Himmelstein
Masters Level Intern
Trauma Therapist Mark Himmelstein
  • Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Phil)

Read Philip's Profile

Seth Markwalter
Masters Level Intern
Trauma Therapist Seth Markwalter
  • Bachelor or Science Psychology (BS)

Read Seth's Profile

Why Choose Us?

  • Experienced Professionals: Our team comprises licensed therapists with extensive training in Trauma-Informed care.
  • Safe and Supportive Environment: We prioritize creating a welcoming space where you can feel comfortable sharing your experiences.
  • Personalized Approach: We recognize that your journey is unique and tailor therapy to fit your specific needs and goals.

Taking the first step toward healing can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. We are here to guide you through the process.

Contact us today to set up an initial consultation. We’ll discuss your needs and determine your best path forward.

Contact Us Online or

Call Us at 717-394-3994
Liberty Place
Advanced Counseling and Research Servives Office Building at Liberty Place

Cheryl Wilson-Smith
CEO and Chief Clinical Officer

Certified Trauma Therapist Cheryl Wilson-Smith
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC);
    • Pa. Lic. PC006514
    • Fl. Lic. TPMC1044 
  • Certified Traumatologist (CT)
  • National Certified Counselor (NCC)
  • Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
  • Certified in Emergency Crisis Response (CECR)
  • Master of Arts (MA)
  • 20+ years of clinical experience.
  • Worked with clients across the lifespan.

Read Cheryl's Profile