What is Prolonged Exposure (PE)?

Prolonged Exposure (PE) is a highly effective, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help individuals recover from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). When someone experiences trauma, they often develop a pattern of avoiding thoughts, feelings, and situations that remind them of the event. While avoidance provides temporary relief, it actually keeps the fear alive.

Our IOP utilizes PE to help clients "digest" traumatic memories in a safe, controlled environment. By gradually facing these memories and related triggers, the brain learns that the trauma is in the past and that the current environment is safe.

The two main components of PE include:

• Imaginal Exposure: Re-visiting the traumatic memory in a therapeutic setting to process the emotions and decrease the distress associated with the event.

• In Vivo Exposure: Gradually approaching real-world situations, places, or objects that have been avoided since the trauma, helping you reclaim your daily life.