If you or someone you know suffers from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), you may benefit from a type of therapy called prolonged exposure, or PE, which helps you process single or multiple/continuous trauma in a way that reduces your symptoms.
This cognitive behavioral therapy treatment for adult men and women diagnosed with PTSD consists of a course of individual therapy and therapist-directed assignments which help reduce specific PTSD symptoms as well as depression, anger and general anxiety.
PE therapy has three components:
- psychoeducation about common reactions to trauma and the cause of chronic post-trauma difficulties
- imaginal exposure, a revisiting or repeated recounting of the traumatic memory in your imagination
- in vivo exposure, gradually approaching trauma reminders, such as situations and objects that are feared and avoided despite being safe.
At the PTSD partial hospitalization program at Rogers Memorial Hospital-West Allis Lincoln Center location, PE Treatment is individualized and conducted by therapists and behavioral specialists trained in this technique. After your initial assessment, you will work with a highly trained therapist or behavioral specialist to design a hierarchy of exposures, working one-on-one on imaginal exposures and complete assignments under supervision.
A patient’s ability to engage in these procedures in a health manner primarily determines how long treatment lasts. While group therapy is part of PTSD treatment, all PE work is individual and not done in the groups.
Concerned you or a loved one may be suffering from the effects of trauma or PTSD? You can take a short, confidential quiz to check your symptoms.
