Prolonged Exposure
What is Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy?
Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy is an evidence-based treatment designed to help individuals process and overcome trauma-related distress. PE is particularly effective for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and is recognized as one of the most effective therapies for reducing the emotional impact of traumatic memories.
PE works by gradually confronting the thoughts, feelings, and situations associated with the trauma in a safe and controlled environment. Over time, this process helps reduce fear, avoidance, and distress, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives.
How Does Prolonged Exposure Work?
Trauma can lead to avoidance of people, places, thoughts, or activities that trigger distressing memories. While avoidance provides short-term relief, it can reinforce fear and prevent healing. PE interrupts this cycle by encouraging individuals to face their fears and process their trauma.
PE therapy typically involves four main components:
Psychoeducation:
You’ll learn about PTSD and how avoidance reinforces fear and distress. This foundational knowledge helps you understand the therapy process and why it works.Breathing Techniques:
Relaxation and grounding exercises are introduced to help you manage anxiety during and outside of sessions.Imaginal Exposure:
You’ll revisit and recount the traumatic memory in a safe and supportive setting. By repeatedly processing the memory, its emotional intensity decreases, and it becomes less overwhelming.In-Vivo Exposure:
You’ll gradually confront real-life situations, places, or activities you’ve been avoiding due to trauma-related fear. These exposures are done step-by-step, ensuring you feel supported throughout the process.
Benefits of Prolonged Exposure Therapy
PE helps individuals regain control over their lives by:
Reducing the emotional intensity of traumatic memories.
Breaking the cycle of avoidance that reinforces fear and limits daily functioning.
Improving the ability to engage in meaningful activities and relationships.
Building resilience and confidence in facing difficult emotions or situations.
Many individuals find that PE not only reduces their trauma symptoms but also enhances their overall well-being and sense of empowerment.
What to Expect in PE Therapy
PE is typically structured over 8–15 sessions, depending on your needs and goals. Each session provides a safe space to explore your experiences and work toward healing at a manageable pace.
Your therapist will collaborate with you to develop an exposure hierarchy—a personalized plan for addressing fears and triggers in a step-by-step manner. This collaborative approach ensures you feel supported and in control throughout the process.
Who Can Benefit from Prolonged Exposure?
PE is most commonly used to treat PTSD, but it can also be effective for individuals dealing with:
Anxiety related to trauma.
Avoidance behaviors limiting daily life.
Specific phobias or fears.
Difficulty processing distressing memories.
If you’re struggling with the lasting impact of trauma, PE offers a structured and effective path toward healing and recovery.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Trauma doesn’t have to define your life. With Prolonged Exposure therapy, you can process what happened, reduce distress, and move forward with confidence and peace of mind.