Prolonged Exposure (PE) is an evidence-based therapy used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions. It helps individuals process and reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories by gradually confronting trauma-related thoughts, feelings, and situations in a safe and controlled manner.

PE involves two main components: imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure. In imaginal exposure, you repeatedly revisit the traumatic memory with your therapist, describing it in detail. This helps reduce the intensity of distress over time. In vivo exposure involves gradually confronting safe situations, people, or places you’ve been avoiding due to trauma, helping you overcome fears and regain control of your life.

PE is typically a short-term therapy, lasting about 8 to 15 sessions, depending on your specific needs and progress. Sessions usually last about 90 minutes to allow enough time for the exposure exercises.

Yes, PE is highly effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD. Many studies show significant improvements in trauma-related symptoms, including reduced avoidance, intrusive memories, and hyperarousal. PE is considered one of the gold-standard treatments for PTSD.

While revisiting the trauma in PE may be distressing at first, it is done in a controlled and therapeutic environment with the guidance of a trained therapist. Over time, exposure to these memories helps desensitize you to the fear and distress, reducing their impact on your daily life. Most clients experience relief and an improved ability to cope as therapy progresses.

Imaginal exposure involves mentally revisiting the traumatic memory with your therapist, recounting it in detail.

In vivo exposure involves gradually confronting real-life situations, activities, or places that you have been avoiding due to the trauma. Both types of exposure help reduce avoidance behaviors and trauma-related distress.

PE is designed for individuals struggling with PTSD or significant trauma-related symptoms. It is especially beneficial for those who find themselves avoiding certain thoughts, places, or situations linked to their trauma. Your therapist can help determine if PE is the right treatment for you.

During a PE session, you will work with your therapist to revisit and recount the traumatic event in detail (imaginal exposure) and gradually confront avoided situations in real life (in vivo exposure). Each session also includes time to discuss your emotions and progress and to develop coping skills for managing distress.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a cognitive-behavioral treatment for PTSD and trauma-related symptoms. It focuses on helping individuals challenge and change unhelpful beliefs and thoughts about the traumatic event that may be maintaining their distress.

CPT works by addressing the negative and distorted beliefs (or “stuck points”) about the trauma that contribute to ongoing emotional pain. Through structured discussions and writing assignments, you’ll examine how the trauma has affected your thinking about yourself, others, and the world. The goal is to replace these unhelpful thoughts with more balanced and realistic ones.

“Stuck points” are thoughts or beliefs that are blocking your recovery from trauma. These often involve unhelpful ideas related to blame, trust, control, or safety. For example, you may believe that you should have prevented the trauma or that the world is now completely unsafe. CPT helps you identify and challenge these stuck points to promote healing.

CPT is typically delivered over 12 sessions, with each session lasting about 50 to 60 minutes. Depending on your progress, therapy may be extended to ensure you fully benefit from the treatment.

Yes, CPT is one of the most effective treatments for PTSD, particularly for individuals who struggle with guilt, shame, or distorted beliefs about their trauma. Numerous studies show that CPT significantly reduces PTSD symptoms and helps clients regain a sense of control over their lives.

CPT focuses on challenging and changing distorted beliefs and thoughts (cognitions) related to the trauma, such as guilt or shame.

PE focuses on gradually confronting and desensitizing oneself to traumatic memories and trauma-related avoidance through exposure.

Both therapies are highly effective for treating PTSD, but they take different approaches. Your therapist can help you decide which one is best for you.

In CPT sessions, you’ll work with your therapist to identify negative beliefs related to the trauma. You’ll engage in structured writing exercises and discussions that help challenge these beliefs and reframe them in healthier ways. You’ll also work on understanding how these beliefs are affecting your emotions and behaviors.

Yes, homework is an important part of CPT. You’ll complete writing assignments and thought records between sessions to help you reflect on the trauma and practice challenging negative thoughts. This helps solidify the skills learned in therapy and promotes recovery.

CPT is particularly helpful for individuals with PTSD who struggle with guilt, shame, or distorted thinking related to the trauma. It’s also beneficial for people who feel stuck in negative thought patterns that prevent them from moving forward after a traumatic event.

Yes, both CPT and PE can be used alongside medication. For individuals with severe PTSD or other mental health conditions, combining therapy with medication may lead to better outcomes. Your therapist and doctor can work together to create a treatment plan that best suits your needs.