Prolonged Exposure (PE)

PROLONGED EXPOSURE (PE)

RATIONALE

Those with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often strive to avoid unpleasant experiences associated with their trauma. Whether the triggers they avoid are external, like shopping malls or certain areas of town, or internal, like feelings and thoughts, the avoidance itself tends to become a problem for those with PTSD. Besides the fact that the avoidance limits a person’s freedom to live their lives, it also reinforces the person’s fear, teaching the brain that experiences that are safe pose a real threat. The way to learn safety in the face of triggers is to practice being in the presence of the trauma memory or feared circumstance. As it so happens, this is the focus of Prolonged Exposure (PE).

EXPOSURES

PE involves two types of exposure: Imaginal and In vivo. With imaginal exposures, people describe parts of the trauma as if they are living through the moment again. First they record their exposures during therapy sessions and then they listen to the recordings outside of therapy. These imaginal exposures support people in learning to be in the presence of trauma memories without avoiding these internal experiences. Treatment also includes “in vivo,” or in real life, exposures. Here, people face external experiences they have avoided. Through PE work, people with PTSD learn that they are safe in the face of the internal and external experiences that they’ve been avoiding. Through systematically facing the trauma-associated circumstances, those with PTSD can process the trauma they’ve been avoiding.  Moreover, PE helps people to appreciate their capacity to learn about and deal with challenging emotional states, making internal avoidance less necessary. 

INTERESTED IN THERAPY FOR PTSD?

Are you or a loved one struggling with trauma and looking for help? Therapists at the Center for the Obsessive Mind use Prolonged Exposure Therapy to support those with PTSD. You can learn more about the treatments and services we provide here.

LOCATIONS

The Center for the Obsessive Mind offers

therapy in several states and internationally.

Learn more about where the staff practices, below.

Pastel skies and a pristine beach in Northern California, one of the areas where The Center for the Obsessive Mind provides Prolonged Exposure for PTSD.

CALIFORNIA

The Center for the Obsessive Mind’s staff therapists offer Prolonged Exposure for PTSD online throughout California. Our Clients span from San Francisco down to Southern Orange County and San Diego. Whether you’re in Silicon Valley, Santa Barbara, Beverly Hills or Dana Point, the Center’s staff can support you in your recovery.

The red rock spires of Bryce Canyon in Utah, one of the states where The Center for the Obsessive Mind offers Prolonged Exposure for PTSD.

UTAH

Staff members at the Center for the Obsessive Mind offer therapy for Prolonged Exposure for PTSD in the state of Utah. Since we provide online treatment, we work with people who live in different areas of the Beehive State – from Salt Lake City and its suburbs, like West Jordan, Syracuse, Highland and Riverton, to Park City and St. George.

Clear turquoise waters in the Keys, one of the places where The Center for the Obsessive Mind practices Prolonged Exposure for PTSD in Florida.

FLORIDA

Therapists at the Center for the Obsessive Mind also offer treatment for Prolonged Exposure for PTSD online in Florida. We see people from all corners of the Sunshine state. Whether you’re from Naples, Orlando, Miami, or Boca Raton, we can provide specialized counseling remotely in your area.

The placid, clear waters of Sand Harbor in Lake Tahoe, one part of Nevada where The Center for the Obsessive Mind offers Prolonged Exposure for PTSD.

NEVADA

Therapists at the Center for the Obsessive Mind also practice teletherapy in Nevada. So if you’re seeking help in Glenbrook, Incline Village, Reno or Las Vegas, we offer Prolonged Exposure for PTSD online across the Grand Canyon State.

The Seven Sisters sea cliffs in Sussex, England, one international locale where  The Center for the Obsessive Mind provides counseling.

INTERNATIONAL

In addition to all of the locations previously listed, the staff at the Center for the Obsessive Mind offer teletherapy for Prolonged Exposure for PTSD to a number of countries internationally.

Cozy couch and computer: all you need for teletherapy and what your treatment with The Center for the Obsessive Mind could look like.

ONLINE

Online therapy isn’t right for everyone. An assessment must be done to determine if online therapy is appropriate for your needs. You can reach out here to learn more.

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The Center for the Obsessive Mind call 949-991-2600

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Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is intended for informational and education purposes only and is not meant to be a replacement for therapy. If you are interested in treatment, you can email us and we will happily provide you with more information.