Trauma-Informed Care

Psychotraumatology Practice Serving Pennsylvania and Florida
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
Trauma and PTSD Counseling Pennsylvania

Trauma-Informed Care Definition

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an approach to understanding and responding to the effects of trauma on individuals.
TIC recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for those who have experienced it.

Key Principles of Trauma-Informed Care

  • Safety: Ensuring physical and emotional safety for clients is paramount. This includes creating a welcoming environment and establishing trust.
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency: Building trust through clear communication and transparency about processes and decisions. Clients should feel they can trust the care they receive. At ACRS, we communicate with you using plain english so you fully understand your treatment. We also give you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) so there are no surprises regarding the cost of your treatment.
  • Peer Support: Incorporating support from individuals who have experienced trauma themselves can be beneficial. Peer support fosters a sense of community and understanding. ACRS offers Trauma-Informed Group Care Sessions.
  • Collaboration and Empowerment: Involving clients in their own care and decision-making processes. Empowering individuals helps them regain control over their lives. We always have you fully-involved in your treatment.
  • Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues: Our caring and informed clinicians recognize and address the impact of cultural, historical, and gender-related factors on trauma experiences. ACRS Clinicians are trained and experienced these areas.
  • Understanding Trauma: Acknowledging the prevalence of trauma and its effects on individuals. This includes understanding how trauma can impact behavior, emotions, and relationships.

Components of Trauma-Informed Care

  • Screening and Assessment: Identifying trauma history and its effects on individuals as part of the assessment process.
  • Training and Education: Providing training for staff and caregivers on trauma and its impact, as well as on Trauma-Informed practices.
  • Policies and Procedures: Developing organizational policies that reflect Trauma-Informed principles, ensuring that all staff members are aligned in their approach.
  • Supportive Environment: Creating a physical and emotional environment that promotes healing, such as comfortable spaces and supportive interactions.
  • Holistic Approach: Addressing the whole person, including their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

Benefits of Trauma-Informed Care

  • Improved Outcomes: Clients often experience better engagement, satisfaction, and overall outcomes when care is Trauma-Informed.
  • Reduced Re-traumatization: By understanding trauma, providers can avoid practices that may inadvertently trigger or re-traumatize individuals.
  • Enhanced Relationships: Building trust and collaboration can lead to stronger therapeutic relationships and better communication.

Application of Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed care can be applied in:

  • Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, and mental health facilities.
  • Social Services: Child welfare, housing, and community services.
  • Education: Schools and educational programs
  • Substance Use Treatment: Programs addressing addiction and recovery.

ACRS Trauma-Informed Care

In-Person and OnlineTrauma and PTSD Counseling Services

We work collaboratively with you to develop a Treatment Plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.

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 mental health support for trauma-related issues online 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:

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

Trauma-Informed Counseling Techniques

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.
  • 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.

Our Experienced Trauma and PTSD Clinicians

Our counselors are trained in Trauma-Informed Care and have extensive experience helping individuals heal from traumatic experiences.

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.

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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.

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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

Contact Us if you have questions or would like to learn more about Trauma-Informed Care at ACRS.

Cheryl Wilson-Smith
CEO and Chief Clinical Officer

Cheryl has the academic and extensive experience to provide the highest quality Trauma and PTSD Treatment Programs to meet your unique needs.
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