Trauma & PTSD Treatment
in Portland, OR

Your mInd Wants to Forget, but your body remembers…

There was a Before…

Before the trauma, life generally made sense. You knew what to expect. You felt calm without questioning it, and you felt safe without second-guessing it.

You knew bad things happened in the world, but those things didn’t personally touch you. You watched them in movies or on the news, or read them in books. These were situations you could put down or turn off.

Sleep came naturally and you didn’t worry about nightmares. You woke up rested and ready to slay the day.

You could trust people, make new friends, and go out with new romantic partners. Your relationships felt comfortable and close, and you gave people the benefit of the doubt.

You didn’t need to double-check to make sure doors were locked and you never thought twice about sitting with your back to the door in a restaurant.

You said yes to new opportunities and new adventures without hesitation.

You knew who you were.

Now, there’s an After…

After the trauma, you feel like a fundamentally different person. Your previous sense of security, your worldview, and even your personality feel… changed. You catch yourself thinking, "I’ll never be the same again.”

You find yourself on edge and guarded in situations that never concerned you before: a door slam, a crowded coffee shop, or an unexpected knock at your door.

Being on “high alert” all the time leaves you feeling exhausted: constantly waiting for something bad to happen and looking over your shoulder.

Your beliefs about other people and the world in general changed after the trauma, too. You now realize that anyone could be a threat, and bad things can happen to anyone — including you. Overnight, the world became a dangerous, scary, and unpredictable place.

As much as you wish you could go back to your “old self”, it seems like the memories from “Before” belong to someone else entirely. You barely recognize that person.

You’ve tried to recover from the trauma, but you haven’t found long-lasting relief yet.

You tried the typical trauma recovery approaches…

You're past thinking that “just getting over it” or “staying busy” will make the memories stop haunting you, so you tried the usual strategies, like talk therapy, medication, and various coping skills.

On one hand, therapy helped you understand what happened and gave you some tools to manage day-to-day. Medication might have taken the edge off. And breathing exercises, journaling, and self-care routines certainly haven’t hurt.

But at some point, traditional therapy started to feel like you were rehashing the same story over and over again without real change. You don’t believe that talking about it more will help (and you’re probably right about that!).

Here's why these approaches only got you so far: Traditional therapy focuses on understanding and managing your trauma, but it doesn’t actually change how the traumatic memories are stored in your brain. Medication can dull the symptoms, but it doesn’t rewire the neural pathways that keep your alarm system stuck in the “on” position. Coping strategies help you get through the day, but they don’t address the root problem.

Basically, your brain is still treating those old memories like current emergencies. That’s why you still get triggered by unexpected sounds, smells, or situations. You still have nightmares or flashbacks. You still feel like part of you is stuck back there, even though you logically know you're safe now.

You feel “partially healed” — some parts of your life have improved, while others have stayed almost the same as they were right after the trauma happened.

It’s time to change that.

Long-Lasting Trauma & PTSD Healing Starts Here…

As a result of our ART session(s), you’ll see changes and improvements to your trauma and PTSD symptoms that self-care and talk therapy haven’t been able to accomplish. You’ll be able to do things like….

Find relief from the daily “leftovers” of the trauma:

  • Walk alone without constantly looking over your shoulder

  • Listen to a certain song or visit a certain part of the city without feeling like you’re going to throw up

  • Drive on the highway without feeling like you’re about to have a panic attack

Feel safe in your body again:

  • Stop flinching when someone makes a sudden movement, like raising their hand near you

  • Feel comfortable with physical touch from loved ones again

  • Fall asleep without repeatedly checking if your doors are locked

Enjoy life again and feel more like yourself:

  • Talk about the trauma with a new friend, partner, or doctor — without feeling like you caused it or are to blame for it

  • Wear bright colors or that cute mini-dress, without feeling like you have to hide yourself or make yourself blend in

  • Concentrate on a book or a movie without your mind wandering to the trauma

  • Care about (and get excited about!) future plans, and take steps to putting those plans in motion — rather than feeling like good things aren’t possible for you (they are!)

It’s important to acknowledge that I can’t make you forget the trauma, or lose your memory. (And I wouldn’t want to do that! Your memory is necessary.) After our work together, you will still have a memory of what happened.

The difference is that you will lose the intense emotional and bodily responses to the memories (things like breaking into a sweat, heart racing, or feeling sick to your stomach). The problematic images, sensations, and symptoms will resolve.

In other words, you’ll always be able to recall the trauma — it’s just that you’ll be able to recall it without feeling triggered or overwhelmed.

Through our work together, the traumatic experience will become just one part of your story, rather than dominating your entire life.

It will be ONE moment, rather than THE defining moment that colors everything else.

PTSD & Trauma Relief in Just 1-5 Sessions with Accelerated resolution Therapy…

Imagine your brain as a library where memories are stored like books. Your brain has two different ways to store memories:

The Regular Bookshelf

This is where most of your memories go. These memories:

  • Have a clear storyline with a beginning and end

  • Feel like they happened in the past

  • Can be taken off the shelf when you want to remember them, and put back when you’re done

  • Include details about who was there and where it happened

  • Feel calm when you remember them

The Emergency Alarm Bookshelf

This is the section where very upsetting or frightening memories go. These memories:

  • Often feel jumbled or have missing pieces

  • Can feel like they're happening right now (even if they happened many years ago!)

  • Get triggered by sights, sounds, smells, or symbols that remind you of the event

  • Get pulled off the shelf, even when you’re actively trying not to think about them

  • Cause a reaction in your body when you remember them (racing heart, sweaty palms, etc.)

When something that threatens your physical or emotional safety happens to you, your brain gets overwhelmed.

And instead of putting the memory on the regular bookshelf, it quickly puts bits and pieces of the memory on the emergency alarm shelf.

Your brain does this to protect you — it wants you to remember danger quickly so that you stay safe in the future.

The problem is that memories on the emergency alarm shelf can and will set off your brain's alarm system even when you're actually safe. That's why something like a loud noise or a sudden movement might suddenly make you jump out of your skin or get really uncomfortable — it reminds your brain of something on the emergency shelf.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) helps you change how these difficult memories are stored in your brain's library.

ART helps move these memories from the emergency alarm shelf to the regular bookshelf.

The eye movements you do in ART help your brain process the scary memory and file it where it belongs — as something that happened in the past and is now over. The memory doesn't disappear and you won’t lose your memory, but it stops setting off your alarm system all the time. What a relief!

How Many ART Sessions You Might Need For PTSD & Trauma Recovery…

ART is known for working quickly, which is why “Accelerated” is in its name! The average is 1-5 sessions for every “problem.”

Research shows that PTSD typically resolves in 3-4 ART sessions (with an average of 3.7 sessions). For ‘“single incident” traumas, sometimes clients only need a single ART session.

How this compares to other PTSD treatments:

  • Traditional PTSD therapy (CPT, PE, EMDR): 8-15 sessions (taking 3-4 months)

  • ART for PTSD: 3-4 sessions (usually completed in 3-4 weeks, can be completed in one weekend intensive)

This means ART gets you results in 70-75% fewer sessions than traditional PTSD treatments.

Multiple studies have followed people for months after their ART sessions and found that the improvements lasted — meaning you don’t just feel better temporarily, the relief continues long after your sessions are done.

Bottom line: While traditional PTSD therapy can take months of weekly appointments, ART can help you process your trauma and eliminate symptoms in just 3-4 sessions.

What People Typically Experience After ART…

After ART sessions, many people report:

  • Nightmares and flashbacks stop or happen much less often, and you’ll sleep better

  • Freedom from the constant knot in your stomach that appears whenever certain topics come up

  • The traumatic memory feels "farther away" or "in the past where it belongs"

  • Physical reactions (like jumping at loud noises) calm down

  • Feeling more present and engaged in daily life: finding joy in playing with your children or going to your best friend’s baby shower, instead of feeling detached and numb

  • Less anxiety and worry about what could happen, ie: you’re not waiting for the other shoe to drop

  • A sense of freedom from the past, and that the traumatic events are in the past where they belong

ART doesn't erase your experiences or change who you are. You’ll always have the knowledge and the facts.

ART simply helps your brain file those difficult memories in a way that doesn’t keep hurting you.

get started today

 hi there

I’m ALLYSON

trauma-and-ptsd-therapy

I’m not the type of therapist who believes you need to spend months or years in therapy to experience deep healing and long-lasting change.

That’s why I offer Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to my clients for problems like trauma/PTSD, grief and bereavement, OCD, and phobias.

ART is a refreshing alternative to traditional talk therapy — it is structured, focused, efficient, and designed to create meaningful change in just a few sessions (an average of 3-4 sessions, to be exact!).

One thing that sets ART apart is its ability to resolve painful, upsetting experiences without requiring you to relive the experience or rehash the details. In other words, unlike in traditional talk therapy, you actually don’t have to talk about the experience at all (weird, right?).

By working with your brain's natural healing processes, you and I will address your painful emotions, images, sensations, and experiences — all while keeping you firmly anchored in the present. You’re in control every step of the way.

 FAQs About WOrking with Me…

  • This is for people who have tried traditional trauma therapy but still get triggered by sounds, smells, or unexpected situations that remind them of what happened. If you’re tired of managing PTSD symptoms and want them actually resolved, ART can rewire how traumatic memories are stored in your brain in just 1-5 sessions instead of months or years of talk therapy.

    If you’ve read through the relevant Therapy Service page and the information doesn’t answer your question, or if you want to double-check that a service is the right fit before scheduling, please use the Contact Form below to reach out to me.

  • Great question! You don’t need to be a strong visualizer for ART to work. The three things needed for a successful session are: the ability to move your eyes comfortably left and right, the ability to hold a thought or image (even a vague one), and motivation to resolve the issue.

    Many clients worry about this, but you can “think your way through” the problematic scene or thought rather than needing vivid mental pictures. ART works with whatever way your mind naturally processes information.

  • ART works best for people who are genuinely ready to resolve their issue. If there are secondary benefits to keeping the problem (like avoiding certain responsibilities or getting extra attention/care), or if someone isn’t fully committed to or ready for change, ART may not be effective.

    ART is most successful when clients are motivated to put the issue behind them.

  • ART sessions are 90 minutes to ensure we have enough time to complete the full process without feeling rushed. While some sessions may only take 60-75 minutes, others require the full 90 minutes if we discover additional scenes or underlying issues during the process.

    This longer timeframe allows for thorough resolution rather than having to stop mid-process and continue in another session. You'll only be charged the flat $700 fee regardless of whether we use 60 or 90 minutes.

  • I'm so glad you're interested in working together!

    I don't offer consultation calls due to my scheduling constraints.

    Instead, I've included comprehensive information about working with me on my website so that you can get all your questions answered immediately.

    I am also in the process of adding video content to my Therapy Service pages as an alternative way of consuming the information (and so that you can get a feel for what it's like to work with me on video!).

    Of course, there will always be unique circumstances. If you don't know which service best fits your situation, or you have a question that isn't answered on the Therapy Service pages, please feel free to reach out via the Contact Form below.

  • Unfortunately, no. I live in Mexico, and therefore ALL of my work is 100% online. I use HIPAA-compliant video software to meet with clients, so we’ll be able to see each other during the session.

  • My fee is $700 for a 90-minute ART session. For ART intensives, please see session pricing options HERE.

  • The ART treatment protocol is usually completed within 1-5 sessions, depending on complexity. Simple issues like needle phobia or a single traumatic incident typically only need 1 session, while more complex issues like social phobia, complicated grief, or OCD may take 4-5 sessions.

    Each session is 90 minutes long, and we'll typically meet weekly to start. This gives us enough time to complete the full ART process without feeling rushed.

    For clients who want faster results, ART intensives are also available. An intensive is 4+ hours in one day and can address multiple "scenes" or complex issues all at once. There is a cost difference for intensives, but they allow you to complete your entire treatment in a single day or a weekend, rather than spreading it across several weeks.

  • No, I am not in network with any insurance company. (You may sometimes see my name on outdated provider lists, but I left insurance networks in 2022.)

  • Yes, but please be aware that insurance reimbursement varies significantly by plan, and my 90-minute sessions may not fit standard insurance session length expectations (typically 60 minutes). You are responsible for paying at the time of service, and my record system will email you a Superbill automatically once per month (by request only).

  • When you schedule a session, payment is required at the time of booking to hold your spot. For any additional sessions I schedule for you, your card will be automatically charged within 24 hours prior to the appointment time. Credit cards are securely stored in your private client chart.

  • I am currently seeing ART clients on Thursdays from 6am to 4pm Pacific Time. I will be opening additional session options as they become available.

    ART intensives are available outside of my typical Thursday schedule but will need about 2 weeks' notice to arrange.

  • Once you request a session either via email or using the self-scheduling widget above, I will send you over your new client forms. (These forms come from my electronic record system, not my email.) You’ll be responsible for reviewing and digitally signing them at least 72 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment to avoid an auto-cancellation. If you don’t receive these forms, please reach out to me at allyson@bridgetownclinical.com.

  • Please use my self-scheduling link HERE to schedule your first session.

reach out

Contact Me

If you have any questions that aren’t already answered below in the FAQ section, please send me a message using the contact form.

Email

allyson@bridgetownclinical.com

ONLINE IN

MASSACHUSETTS
WASHINGTON
OREGON

Portland ART TRAUMA THERAPY FAQs

  • Portland faces a complex trauma landscape that creates significant demand for efficient treatment options. After years of record-breaking gun violence, Portland recorded 73 homicides in 2023, though this represented a decrease from the record 95 homicides in 2022. The city has also been heavily impacted by climate-related trauma, with Oregon's devastating 2020 wildfires causing widespread psychological distress that persists years later. Research shows elevated rates of PTSD up to 10 years after wildfire exposure, with Oregon residents experiencing what scientists call "solastalgia" — the specific grief felt when beloved landscapes are lost or dramatically altered. Former Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler officially recognized June 2024 as PTSD Awareness Month, acknowledging that approximately 8 million Americans annually are affected by PTSD, including many Portland community members and city employees.

  • Portland's unique exposure to wildfire trauma requires specialized treatment that most traditional therapists aren't equipped to provide efficiently. Wildfire trauma creates complex psychological responses including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and the emerging condition called "eco-anxiety." Research published in Behavioral Sciences found that communities affected by wildfires show elevated PTSD and depression symptoms up to a decade later. While traditional trauma therapy takes 8-15 sessions over months, ART typically resolves these symptoms in just 1-5 sessions. For Portland residents who experienced the 2020 Oregon fires or continue to face annual smoke seasons that trigger trauma responses, ART's rapid approach is crucial. The method's ability to process traumatic memories without requiring detailed verbal recounting is particularly valuable for those dealing with multiple layered traumas - both urban violence and environmental disasters.

  • Yes, online ART therapy is ideally suited for Portland's environmentally conscious professional community dealing with the intersection of urban stress and climate trauma. Portland's progressive culture means many residents experience heightened awareness of environmental threats, leading to chronic anxiety about future wildfire seasons and climate change impacts. The city's tech and healthcare professionals often work demanding schedules while carrying additional emotional burdens about environmental destruction. Online ART sessions eliminate the stress of navigating Portland traffic or finding parking downtown, while providing privacy for discussing sensitive trauma responses. Research by UCLA's Center for Public Health and Disasters shows that wildfire smoke exposure alone can cause significant mental health impacts across entire populations, meaning even Portland residents who didn't directly experience fires may need trauma treatment for smoke-related psychological stress.

  • Portland's mental health system faces significant capacity challenges, with community-based organizations reporting overwhelming increases in trauma-related service requests following the 2020 wildfires and ongoing urban stressors. Mental health providers note they've had to hire additional therapists to handle the increased demand, yet wait times remain substantial. ART offers immediate access to effective trauma treatment without lengthy waits. Research shows that wildfire trauma, in particular, benefits from rapid intervention: one study found that delayed treatment can lead to chronic PTSD symptoms lasting years. ART's typical 1-5 session timeframe means Portland residents can often complete their entire trauma treatment before even securing an initial appointment with traditional providers. For single-incident traumas (like witnessing violence, car accidents, or acute wildfire evacuation experiences), many clients need only one ART session.

  • Portland's strong environmental culture means many residents seek therapy approaches that acknowledge their deep connection to natural landscapes and climate concerns. Traditional eco-therapy can take months to address trauma responses, while ART's efficient approach appeals to Portland's sustainability-minded professionals who value both environmental consciousness and practical solutions. ART's unique ability to process landscape-related grief and solastalgia — the distress felt when familiar environments are damaged — is particularly relevant for Portlanders who've watched beloved natural areas burn or become smoke-filled each summer. The method allows clients to maintain their environmental awareness and activism while eliminating the debilitating anxiety and depression that can result from eco-grief. Unlike traditional therapy that might require repeatedly discussing distressing environmental realities, ART helps Portland residents maintain their environmental values while building resilience against climate-related psychological impacts.