Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for PTSD and trauma-related symptoms. PE helps individuals safely process traumatic memories, reduce avoidance, and decrease anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional overwhelm. Through structured sessions that include guided imaginal exposure and real-life practice, clients learn to retrain their nervous system and develop confidence in their ability to cope. As a trauma therapist trained in DBT-PE, I integrate emotional regulation skills with proven exposure techniques to support deep healing for people experiencing trauma, chronic anxiety, or the lasting effects of painful experiences.

Individuals with PTSD often come to treatment with additional diagnoses such as personality disorders, dissociative disorders, substance dependence, eating disorders, and mood disorders. 66% of individuals with PTSD have two or more comorbid disorders and up to 30% attempt suicide. When not treated, PTSD increases the risk of suicidal and self-injurious behavior and is likely to interfere with achieving recovery.

How the DBT PE Protocol Works
Avoidance is a major factor that maintains PTSD and prevents recovery. There are two ways that people with PTSD typically avoid. The first is trying to push away memories, thoughts, and feelings about the trauma. The second is avoiding situations, people, and objects that are reminders of the trauma. Although avoiding trauma-related thoughts and situations works to reduce distress in the short run, it prolongs and intensifies post-trauma reactions in the long run. The DBT PE protocol aims to help clients stop avoidance and instead confront trauma-related thoughts and situations so that trauma can be effectively processed.