The Effectiveness of Prolonged Exposure Therapy
There are various ways to address the impact of trauma, and no single approach is universally the best option. The effectiveness of a method largely depends on the individual seeking therapy. One particularly effective therapeutic approach is Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). This evidence-based behavioral treatment is grounded in the principle that repeated exposure to trauma-related stimuli can help reduce a patient’s distress in response to thoughts, memories, visual reminders, smells, or other triggers associated with their trauma (Rousseau, 2025). The key components of PE include psychoeducation, breathing exercises, gradual real-world practice, and open discussions surrounding the traumatic event itself (Rousseau, 2025).
What I find compelling about this approach is its ability to help individuals confront and process aspects of their trauma that they have actively avoided since the event. By guiding clients through the journey of shifting their mindset from “I can’t” to “I can,” PE encourages them to prove to themselves that they can face their fears, all within a supportive and structured environment provided by a trained therapist (National Center for PTSD, 2025). While the thought of revisiting trauma can be daunting, many individuals find that, with time and practice, it becomes increasingly manageable. The process of recounting one’s experience can facilitate healthier expressions of emotions such as anger, guilt, and sadness. After several months of therapy, many clients report a significant decrease in their emotional distress, allowing them to talk about their trauma with less overwhelm (National Center for PTSD, 2025).
I can relate to this therapeutic approach and can attest to its effectiveness in my own life. Initially, I was hesitant to continue discussing my trauma with my therapist, but by breaking it down into smaller steps, I found it easier to engage with the memories and feelings associated with my experience. It’s crucial to understand, however, that while this type of therapy can be transformative, it does not erase the trauma itself. Instead, it enables individuals to manage their experiences in a way that allows them to reclaim their lives. PE is suitable for both men and women, does not require medication, and has demonstrated significant improvements in symptoms, with some individuals no longer meeting the criteria for PTSD after completing the therapy (National Center for PTSD, 2025).
Prolonged Exposure Therapy is firmly backed by research, illustrating its efficacy across various studies. However, it’s also essential to recognize that PE may not be suitable for everyone; for some individuals, confronting traumatic memories can exacerbate their symptoms rather than alleviate them (Rousseau, 2025). Throughout the therapy process, clients routinely provide feedback on their distress levels, which have consistently shown a reduction. Tuerk’s research (2015) emphasizes the value of making this process meaningful for each participant by incorporating objective physiological assessments delivered through wireless technology and mobile applications. By visually tracking physiological responses over time, therapists can demonstrate to clients how their discomfort diminishes with consistent treatment. This evidence often provides positive reinforcement and reinforces the therapeutic benefits of PE.
References:
National Center for PTSD. (2025). Prolonged Exposure. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/video/index.asp
Rousseau, D. (2025). Exposure Therapy. Boston University.
Tuerk, Peter. (2015). Return from Chaos: Treating PTSD. TEDxCharleston. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORs3-tRokGU&t=3s