My past follows me …
Sometimes life leaves marks we can’t see. A difficult experience, whether a major loss, a painful relationship, or even a series of smaller moments that left you feeling unsafe or unseen, can stay with you long after it’s over. These experiences can shape the way you think, feel, and react, often without you realizing it. Do you have problems like:
- Feeling “on edge” or easily startled
- Avoiding certain people, places, or memories
- Replaying events or emotions you wish you could forget
- A sense that you’re stuck in the past, even when life has moved on
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Flashbacks
- Trouble trusting others
- Apathy
- Shame and guilt
- Self-doubt
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an evidence-based, gentle, and effective trauma treatment. ART helps the brain process and release distressing memories without the need to relive them in detail. ART often brings relief more quickly and provides a sense of calm and control.
In our work together, you’ll learn how to recognize and honor the impact of both big and small traumas, understand how they’ve shaped your story, and begin to build new emotional patterns rooted in safety, strength, and self-compassion. Healing is possible — and you don’t have to do it alone.
About Your Therapist
Thetis Alcott, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor | Founder, Pivotal Counseling
With more than a decade of experience, I specialize in helping adult women navigate relationship stress, anxiety, and life transitions with clarity and compassion. My approach combines evidence-based methods with genuine understanding — empowering you to feel grounded, confident, and capable in your relationships and within yourself.
More About Professional Counselor Thetis Alcott
What happens in therapy sessions?
Our initial meeting, both telehealth and in person, is a casual conversation where you begin to share your unique goals for therapy. Sometimes people aren’t exactly sure why they are seeking help and this is OK too! This is your time to be seen and heard, to feel genuinely listened to and understood without judgment. In our next sessions I gather information about your history and background so that I have a full picture of the person you are. We set a plan for our path and so the growth process can begin!
Counseling Session Information:
- Session Length: 50 minutes
- Format: In-person and telehealth options available
- Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your goals
- Payment: Private pay
FAQs About Trauma Counseling and Therapy
How do I know if I have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD is a condition that invades all aspects of life. It can halt living. It is isolating and
terrifying. Understanding the basics of how our brain functions is helpful. Our brain’s primary job is to keep us safe. When there is a threat our brain alerts us and expects us to react. At times we aren’t able to protect ourselves enough and something damaging happens to us. Rather than resuming our lives as usual, our brain remains stuck in that fight, flight, or freeze posture. Everything is perceived as a threat.
Those with PTSD are:
-startled easily
-constantly checking for safety
-experiencing flashbacks
-hypervigilant
-irritated
-trouble sleeping
A smell or a sound can trigger a response. Isolation is inevitable in order to manage the
symptoms. This way it feels they have some control over their reactivity and hope others won’t notice. But these experiences are not only stored in your mind but they are stored in your body. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an evidence-based approach to trauma therapy. With the help of a trained therapist you will target those traumatic experiences and help your brain process them properly. You remember the event but the emotional “charge” that accompanies it dissipates.
Who experiences PTSD?
Anyone who has lived through anything frightening can have PTSD. We all handle
events differently and our reactions vary. What bothers some people may not bother others. Trauma therapy helps those struggling realize that there isn’t something wrong with them. It is the brain continuing to try to protect them.
Most commonly PTSD is seen in:
-combat veterans
-abuse survivors
-terror attacks
-natural disasters
-serious accidents
Medication under the care of your doctor can also be helpful for PTSD. Always consult a professional before taking any medication.
