Dorcas VanGilst, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas | Trauma, Abuse, Grief & Maternal Support

Dorcas VanGilst is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology. She has extensive experience supporting individuals, couples, families, and groups navigating the effects of abuse, trauma, addiction, depression, and anxiety.

Dorcas specializes in abuse and trauma recovery, grief counseling, postpartum and prenatal support, abandonment trauma, and relationship challenges. She works closely with clients transitioning out of abusive or difficult relationships, helping them establish healthy boundaries, develop coping skills, and build more fulfilling personal and family relationships.

Her approach is person-centered, compassionate, and evidence-based, primarily using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients identify patterns, process emotions, and achieve personal growth. She creates a safe, supportive, and transparent space for clients to explore challenges and work toward healing.

Dorcas is passionate about supporting mothers experiencing pregnancy, postpartum depression, anxiety, or grief, recognizing the importance of mental health and emotional support during major life transitions. She helps mothers navigate change, develop coping strategies, and foster healthy bonding with their children.

Outside of her counseling practice, Dorcas enjoys spending time with her three children, four grandchildren, and her husband, as well as reading, traveling, researching mental health topics, and playing piano.