Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD

Prolonged exposure is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches individuals to gradually approach trauma-related memories, feelings and situations. Most people want to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma they experienced, but doing so reinforces their fear. By facing what has been avoided, a person can decrease symptoms of PTSD by actively learning that the trauma-related memories and cues are not dangerous and do not need to be avoided. This treatment is strongly recommended for the treatment of PTSD. 

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Both imaginal and in vivo exposure are utilized with the pace dictated by the patient.

• Imaginal exposure occurs in session with the patient describing the event in detail in the present tense with guidance from the therapist. 

• In vivo exposure, that is confronting feared stimuli outside of therapy, is assigned as homework.

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More information: https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/prolonged-exposure