Attachment Trauma Therapy in Pennsylvania

Healing Relational & Betrayal Trauma • Attachment Wounds • Trust & Intimacy Repair
Secure Telehealth Across Pennsylvania + In-Person in Lancaster

Advanced Counseling and Research Services
Office Location & Hours (Lancaster)
313 W Liberty St STE 224, Lancaster, PA 17603
Mon–Thu 9am–7pm |
Fri 9am–5pm

What Is Attachment Trauma?

Attachment trauma occurs when early or ongoing relationships fail to provide consistent safety, attunement, or protection. This includes emotional neglect, caregiver inconsistency, betrayal by trusted people, intimate partner betrayal, or repeated relational ruptures. These wounds disrupt our ability to feel safe in close relationships and often lead to anxious, avoidant, or disorganized attachment patterns.

At ACRS we address attachment trauma through a psychotraumatology lens — gently repairing the nervous system while rebuilding secure internal working models of self and others.

Common Signs of Attachment Trauma

  • Fear of abandonment or difficulty trusting others
  • Emotional reactivity or shutdown in relationships
  • Chronic people-pleasing or self-sacrifice
  • Avoidance of intimacy or repeated choosing unavailable partners
  • Hypervigilance to rejection or criticism
  • Difficulty identifying or expressing needs
  • Feelings of emptiness or “not belonging”

Why Pennsylvania Clients Choose ACRS for Attachment Trauma Healing

  • Clinicians specially trained in attachment theory and psychotraumatology
  • Gentle, paced therapy that respects your nervous system’s need for safety
  • Integration of EMDR, Brainspotting, and somatic approaches for deep relational repair
  • Statewide secure telehealth + supportive Lancaster office
  • Focus on reparenting, boundary work, and building secure attachment
  • Free 10-minute consultation to ensure you feel safe before starting

Our Specialized Attachment Trauma Treatment Modalities

We tailor each plan to your unique attachment history:

  • EMDR Therapy – reprocess relational memories and negative core beliefs
  • Brainspotting Therapy – release stored attachment pain held in the body
  • DBT Skills Groups – develop emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness
  • Somatic Experiencing & Polyvagal-informed therapy – restore safety and co-regulation
  • Attachment-focused & inner-child work
  • Trauma-informed mindfulness and boundary development

Frequently Asked Questions About Attachment Trauma Therapy

Can attachment trauma be healed in adulthood?

Yes. The brain remains plastic throughout life. With the right safety and skilled support, you can develop secure attachment patterns and healthier relationships.

How long does attachment trauma therapy usually take?

Healing timelines vary. Many clients notice improved relational safety and self-trust within 12–24 sessions, with continued growth over time.

Is telehealth effective for attachment trauma work?

Absolutely. Many clients feel safer exploring vulnerable attachment wounds from the comfort of their own space.

Do you work with betrayal trauma and infidelity?

Yes. Betrayal trauma is a specific form of attachment trauma we treat with specialized care and compassion.

Our Attachment Trauma Specialists Serving Pennsylvania

Cheryl Wilson-Smith
Chief Executive Officer

Cheryl Wilson-Smith

"For over 20 years I have helped clients heal attachment trauma and betrayal wounds. Using a psychotraumatology-informed approach with EMDR, Brainspotting, and relational repair work, we gently restore safety, self-worth, and the capacity for secure, fulfilling relationships. You can trust again — and you deserve to."

— Cheryl Wilson-Smith, LPC, Chief Executive Officer & Certified Traumatologist

Read Cheryl's Profile

Cady R. Monasmith
Chief Clinical Officer

Cady Monasmith
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (PA-015668)
  • Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (C-DBT)
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

Read Cady's Profile

Additional clinicians trained in psychotraumatology and attachment-focused trauma work are available for telehealth and in-person sessions.

You Can Feel Safe in Connection Again

Attachment trauma does not have to define your future. Gentle, effective healing is within reach.

Book your free 10-minute consultation today!

Secure • Confidential • No obligation • Serving all of Pennsylvania

Take the First Step – Contact Us Today

Secure & Confidential • Free 10-minute consultation