Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is what happens when the brain's threat system gets stuck in the past. The traumatic memory does not file away with other memories — it stays current, intrusive, body-stored, and reactive. PTSD is treatable. Evidence-based protocols can move a stuck memory through the brain's normal processing system, and the symptoms go down.
What kinds of PTSD do you treat?
- Single-incident PTSD (accident, assault, medical event)
- Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) from prolonged or developmental trauma
- Combat-related PTSD (veterans)
- First responder PTSD (police, fire, EMS, dispatch)
- Childhood trauma surfacing in adulthood
- Domestic violence PTSD
- Sexual assault PTSD
- Medical trauma (ICU, surgery, chronic illness)
- PTSD with co-occurring substance use
- Secondary traumatic stress (caregivers, helpers, healthcare workers)
What treatment modalities do you use?
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). The most-researched trauma-specific protocol. Uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess stuck memories. See our EMDR page for detail.
- Brainspotting. Developed from EMDR. Uses eye positioning to access trauma held in the body. Especially useful when EMDR feels too activating.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Structured cognitive approach designed specifically for PTSD. Targets the stuck beliefs that maintain symptoms.
- Trauma-focused CBT. Adapted CBT with gradual exposure, narrative work, and cognitive restructuring.
- Phased approach. Stabilization first, then memory processing, then integration. We do not rush processing.
Do you treat veterans and first responders?
Yes. Our team has experience treating combat-related PTSD, police and fire PTSD, EMS PTSD, and dispatch-related secondary trauma. Dr. Kristy Burton's pre-counseling career was 20 years in law enforcement (Arkansas community corrections and US Probation), so first-responder culture and the specific structure of operational stress are familiar territory.
Can I do PTSD treatment via telehealth?
Yes. EMDR, Brainspotting, and CPT all adapt to HIPAA-compliant telehealth, and outcome research shows comparable results to in-person treatment. Some clients prefer telehealth because doing trauma work from your own safe environment can lower the activation threshold. Other clients prefer in-person; both are available.
How do I get started?
Call 501-464-2926, email scheduling@arcounselingandwellness.com, or request an appointment through the secure patient portal.
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