TREATMENT
APPROACHES
PROLONGED EXPOSURE (PE)
Prolonged Exposure (PE) is a “cousin” of ERP and is employed effectively and compassionately in the treatment of trauma and PTSD. Through the process of re-engaging with triggering situations, memories, thoughts, and feelings, clients learn that they can tolerate unpleasant situations and intrusive thoughts without becoming distressed or overwhelmed. They learn that it is the very avoidance of unpleasant content that actually maintains their fears and distress. In the process, and by re-engaging with life, clients’ lives often become more satisfying and fulfilling.
COGNITIVE PROCESSING THERAPY (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD and other trauma-related difficulties. CPT helps people identify and work through beliefs about themselves, others, and the world that may have become “stuck” following a traumatic experience. By developing more flexible and balanced ways of understanding what happened and its impact, CPT can reduce trauma-related distress and help people move forward in their lives.
EYE-MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING (EMDR)
Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) shares some similarities with Prolonged Exposure, in that clients are asked to re-engage with often unpleasant memories. However, with EMDR, clients are asked to move their eyes (or alternately, tap) in a specific and deliberate manner while they process their memories. While there is some question as to the underlying mechanism, EMDR has been shown to be an effective treatment for PTSD.