What is Prolonged Exposure Therapy?

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to help individuals deal with traumatic memories and anxiety. It encourages patients to face their fears and trauma in a controlled and safe manner. This method is particularly effective for those suffering from [Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder](https://glossary.psywellpath.com/post-traumatic-stress-disorder) (PTSD).

How Does Prolonged Exposure Therapy Work?

The therapy generally involves a few key steps:

1. Education: The therapist explains the process and reassures the patient about the safety and purpose of the therapy.
2. Breathing Techniques: Patients learn deep breathing exercises to manage anxiety during exposure sessions.
3. Imaginal Exposure: Patients recount their traumatic experiences in detail. This is done repeatedly to help them process the memory and lessen its emotional impact.
4. In Vivo Exposure: Patients confront real-life situations or places that remind them of their trauma. This helps reduce avoidance behavior.

Types of Prolonged Exposure Therapy

There are two main types of exposure used in PET:

• Imaginal Exposure: Involves recalling and narrating the traumatic event in a safe space. This helps in desensitizing the emotional response to the memory.
• In Vivo Exposure: Involves facing real-life situations related to the trauma, gradually and systematically. For example, a person who experienced a car accident may start by visiting the site of the accident.

Steps Involved in Prolonged Exposure Therapy

• Assessment: The therapist assesses the patient’s symptoms and history.
• Goal Setting: Together, the patient and therapist set specific goals for the therapy.
• Gradual Exposure: Exposure is done gradually, starting with less anxiety-provoking situations and moving to more challenging ones.
• Processing: After each exposure session, the therapist helps the patient process their feelings and reactions.

Real-Life Examples

• Example 1: A military veteran who struggles with flashbacks from combat may engage in imaginal exposure by repeatedly discussing the traumatic events they encountered. Over time, this helps lessen the intensity of the flashbacks.
• Example 2: A person who experienced a mugging may start by discussing the event in detail. Later, they may visit the location of the incident to confront their fear, supported by their therapist.

Comparison with Other Therapies

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): While CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns, PET specifically targets the memories and feelings associated with trauma.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR also addresses trauma but uses eye movements to help process memories, whereas PET relies on exposure to the traumatic memory itself.

Conclusion

Prolonged Exposure Therapy can be a powerful tool for those looking to overcome the impact of trauma. By facing fears in a structured way, individuals can reduce anxiety and reclaim control over their lives.