prolonged exposure
DBT Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE) is a treatment for people who are living with both trauma and intense emotions. It was developed by Dr. Melanie Harned as an extension of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and it combines the strengths of DBT with one of the most effective treatments for PTSD.
Many people who struggle with trauma also face challenges like self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or difficulty regulating emotions. Traditional trauma treatments may not feel safe or manageable in those situations. DBT-PE was created to address this gap. It first focuses on building a foundation of coping skills through DBT, so that when you begin trauma work, you have tools to stay grounded and safe.
Once you’re ready, I will guide you through approaching the traumatic memories and parts of your life you’ve been avoiding. By facing rather than avoiding these experiences, the memories lose their power, and you can begin to feel relief instead of being controlled by fear, shame, or distress.
Research has shown that DBT-PE not only helps reduce PTSD symptoms but also improves overall quality of life. Feel free to reach out if this therapy sounds right for you.