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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.