What is Prolonged-Exposure Therapy (P-ET)?

Exposure to an extremely traumatic event can result in a number of very unpleasant symptoms that can include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, hopelessness, anxiety, emotional numbing, anger, avoidance of any reminders of the traumatic event and being easily startled.

These are a normal response to an abnormal event. We use an evidence-based therapeutic technique called Prolonged-Exposure Therapy (P-ET) to help clients to face and overcome their fears.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (P-ET) is an evidence-based treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder. It begins with psychoeducation about PTSD and ASD, and relaxation training to relieve anxiety symptoms. The client is then guided through a process of re-imagining the traumatic event so that they gradually reprocess traumatic memories and emotions in a safe environment. Avoiding the memories only reinforces the traumatic memories and reinforces avoidant behaviour.

A process of rescripting can also be undertaken to create a more positive interpretation of the traumatic event. The treatment is usually conducted over approximately 12 weekly consultations of one-hour duration each. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a Prescribed Minimum Benefit disorder that medical aid schemes are obliged to pay for.

This intervention strategy is very effective in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Acute Stress Disorder. More on this type of therapy can be found at https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/prolonged-exposure#:~:text=Prolonged%20exposure%20is%20a%20specific,doing%20so%20reinforces%20their%20fear. and https://www.ptsd.va.gov/index.asp.

Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.