What is Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)?
PE works by asking someone to expose themselves to a situation that might be somewhat frightening to them, like going to a crowded store.
This form of therapy might be for you if you are experiencing a fear and are avoiding things or situations because of this fear. Prolonged Exposure therapy will give you hands-on experience working through these fearful situations so you can live more confidently.
PE sessions can occur inside the office with the use of imagery to expose you to a stressful situation. Additionally, you may be asked to expose yourself directly to the situation with your therapist’s guidance.
For example, if you’re afraid of crowds, you might be asked go to a grocery store and write down your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs as you walk inside. You’d report back to your PE therapist and they would help you challenge those feelings and beliefs, encouraging you to establish new beliefs that will give you the confidence and focus to achieve your goals (of purchasing groceries, for example). Then you might be asked to return to the store with a focus on this new belief. Often you’ll be able to recognize the difference between the beliefs and feel a strong sense of relief, making you eager to keep repeating the new belief and let go of the old one.
The goal of Prolonged Exposure Therapy is to decrease your level of anxiety and help you overcome your specific fears.
In-office or out of office PE sessions occur as needed. PE could be used in conjunction with Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) sessions or as a method in between sessions.