An evidence-based treatment that helps people process traumatic memories through gradual, controlled exposure to trauma-related thoughts and situations is prolonged exposure therapy. Usually 8-15 sessions are involved in the therapy; avoided memories and activities are faced safely by clients working with their therapist. Initially, it’s found challenging by many people, but research shows it’s highly effective for PTSD and trauma-related anxiety.
Fast Facts:
- Significant improvement in PTSD symptoms is seen by approximately 70-80% of people who complete prolonged exposure therapy
- 8-15 weekly sessions are typically involved in treatment, each lasting 90 minutes
- The therapy was developed in the 1980s; over 30 years of research supporting its effectiveness has been accumulated
- Prolonged exposure therapy is covered by most insurance plans in Alberta when provided by licensed psychologists
- Benefits are shown by studies to often continue improving for months after treatment ends
Understanding the Basics of Prolonged Exposure Therapy
A straightforward principle is operated on by prolonged exposure therapy. When trauma-related memories or situations are avoided by us, our anxiety often gets stronger over time. This cycle is helped to break by the therapy through gradually facing what’s been avoided. Think of it like getting back on a bike after a bad fall; the longer you wait, the scarier it becomes.
Dr. Edna Foa and her colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania developed the approach. Extensive testing has been done across different populations and trauma types. From what we’ve seen in Calgary, first responders, healthcare workers, and anyone dealing with single-incident trauma are worked with particularly well by the therapy.
How the Treatment Process Actually Works
Education about trauma and how symptoms are maintained by avoidance typically starts sessions. A hierarchy of avoided situations will be created by you, working with your therapist, ranking them from least to most anxiety-provoking. This isn’t rushed; just preparation and planning are spent on by most people for 2-3 sessions.
Two main ways are happened in by the exposure work. In-session, the traumatic memory will be revisited by you through guided storytelling, usually with your eyes closed. Between sessions, real-world situations you’ve been avoiding will be gradually approached by you. Sitting in a parked car might be started with by a car accident survivor; then progress to short drives in quiet areas.
What to Expect During Your First Few Sessions
Building safety and trust are focused on heavily by early sessions. Exactly what’s coming and why each step matters will be explained by your therapist. Breathing techniques and grounding skills will be learned by you before any exposure work begins. Everything else is made more manageable by this foundation.
Losing control or becoming overwhelmed is worried about by many people. Actually, multiple safeguards are designed with by the therapy. Ways to slow down or pause will always be had by you if needed. Sessions are recorded so they can be processed by you later, but only with your explicit permission.
Common Concerns and Realistic Expectations
“Will this make me worse?” is asked in probably 80% of initial consultations. Temporary symptom increases are shown by the research to affect roughly 20-30% of people, usually in weeks 2-4. These spikes typically resolve as the memories can’t actually hurt you anymore is learned by your brain.
Whether they’re “strong enough” for this type of therapy is wondered by some people. Strength isn’t really the issue; readiness is. Whether you have adequate coping skills and support systems will be assessed by your therapist before starting. More than toughness, timing matters, honestly.
Who Benefits Most from This Approach
People with clear trauma memories and specific avoidance patterns are worked best with by the therapy. Excellent results are often seen by veterans, accident survivors, and assault survivors. When PTSD symptoms are interfering with work, relationships, or daily activities, it’s particularly helpful.
That said, the first choice for everyone isn’t always it. Other approaches initially might be benefited from by people with active substance use, severe depression, or complex trauma histories. The best starting point for your situation can be helped to determine by your Calgary psychologist.
Finding the Right Therapist in Calgary
Psychologists specifically trained in prolonged exposure therapy protocols should be looked for. Specialized training beyond general trauma therapy skills is required by the treatment. Certification programs through the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies have been completed by many therapists in Calgary.
During your initial consultation, about their experience with your type of trauma should be asked. Their approach will be explained clearly by a good therapist, and your concerns will be addressed without rushing you into treatment. Alternative options should also be discussed if prolonged exposure doesn’t seem like the right fit.
Making the Decision to Start
Courage is taken by starting any trauma therapy, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Talking through their concerns with a qualified professional before making any commitments is benefited from by most people. The consultation process itself can be healing.
If you’re ready to explore whether prolonged exposure therapy might help with your trauma recovery, comprehensive assessments and evidence-based treatments are offered by Choice Point Psychological. Visit our website to learn more about our trauma therapy services and schedule your initial consultation.
Mini-FAQ:
Q: Does prolonged exposure therapy make symptoms worse before they get better? Temporary increases in anxiety or distress are experienced by some people during the first few sessions. This reaction is considered normal; as treatment progresses, it usually decreases. Your responses will be monitored carefully by your therapist, and the pace will be adjusted as needed.
Q – Will I have to relive my trauma in detail? Look, this is probably the biggest misconception about the therapy. Memories will be approached gradually by you, working with your therapist, at a pace you can handle. You won’t be overwhelmed, but the emotional charge these memories carry will be reduced over time.
Q: How long does it take to see results? Fair point; everyone’s timeline looks different. Changes are noticed by some people after 3-4 sessions, while the full course of treatment is needed by others. Most people are suggested by research to see meaningful improvement by session 8 or 9. That still surprises people.
Q – Can prolonged exposure therapy help with other conditions besides PTSD? Various anxiety disorders have been adapted for by the therapy, including panic disorder and social anxiety. When avoidance behaviors are keeping you stuck, it’s particularly helpful. Whether it’s the right approach for your specific situation can be determined by your therapist.
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