Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) for PTSD: An Evidence-Based Treatment for Trauma Recovery
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can make the world feel unsafe long after a traumatic event has ended. Flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, emotional numbness, and hypervigilance can interfere with relationships, work, sleep, and daily functioning.
If you’re living with PTSD, you are not weak, and you are not beyond help. Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) is one of the most researched and effective treatments available for trauma recovery.
At Still Minds Psychology, we provide evidence-based trauma therapy, including Prolonged Exposure, to help clients process trauma and regain a sense of safety and control.
What Is Prolonged Exposure Therapy?
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) is a structured, cognitive-behavioral treatment specifically designed for PTSD. It is based on decades of research showing that avoiding trauma memories and reminders keeps PTSD symptoms active.
PE helps individuals gradually confront:
Trauma-related memories
Distressing thoughts
Avoided situations
Trauma reminders
In a safe, supportive therapeutic environment, clients learn that trauma memories, while painful, are not dangerous.
How PTSD Is Maintained by Avoidance
Avoidance is a natural response to trauma. You may avoid:
Talking about what happened
Places or people connected to the trauma
Certain emotions
Media or conversations that trigger memories
Physical sensations that resemble past fear
While avoidance reduces anxiety in the short term, it prevents your brain from fully processing the event. The trauma remains “unfinished,” and the nervous system continues reacting as if the danger is still present.
Prolonged Exposure gently breaks this cycle.
How Prolonged Exposure Therapy Works
PE typically includes four main components:
1. Psychoeducation
You’ll learn how trauma affects the brain and body. Understanding PTSD reduces shame and self-blame.
2. Breathing and Grounding Skills
These tools help manage physiological arousal and build confidence before engaging in exposure work.
3. Imaginal Exposure
In session, you will gradually revisit the traumatic memory by recounting it in detail. This may sound intimidating, but it is done at a pace that feels manageable and structured.
Repeatedly processing the memory helps:
Reduce emotional intensity
Correct inaccurate beliefs
Decrease fear responses
4. In Vivo Exposure
You will also gradually approach real-life situations you’ve been avoiding (when safe to do so). This might include visiting specific locations, engaging in certain activities, or facing trauma reminders.
The goal is not to relive trauma, but to teach your brain that you are safe now.
Does Prolonged Exposure Therapy Really Work?
Yes. PE is considered a gold-standard treatment for PTSD and is recommended by organizations such as:
The American Psychological Association (APA)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The Department of Defense (DoD)
Research consistently shows that PE can significantly reduce:
Flashbacks
Nightmares
Hypervigilance
Avoidance
Trauma-related guilt and shame
Many individuals experience meaningful symptom reduction within a structured course of treatment.
Is Prolonged Exposure Therapy Intense?
PE involves facing trauma memories rather than avoiding them, which can feel challenging at first. However, therapy is always collaborative and paced appropriately.
Many clients report that although sessions can be emotionally activating, they feel increasingly empowered over time.
The aim is not to retraumatize, but to help your brain fully process what happened so it no longer controls your present life.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PE?
Prolonged Exposure Therapy may be helpful if you:
Experience flashbacks or intrusive memories
Avoid trauma reminders
Feel constantly on edge
Struggle with trauma-related guilt or shame
Have been diagnosed with PTSD
A comprehensive assessment helps determine whether PE or another trauma-focused treatment (such as CPT or EMDR) is the best fit for your needs.
PTSD can feel isolatingbut effective treatment is available. With structured support, it’s possible to reduce symptoms, process trauma safely, and rebuild your sense of stability.
Ready to Begin Trauma Recovery?
You don’t have to keep reliving what happened.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy offers a research-backed path toward healing, resilience, and renewed confidence in your daily life.
Contact Still Minds Psychology today to schedule a consultation and learn whether PE is right for you.
