Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy

Prolonged Exposure therapy, developed by Edna Foa, Ph.D. , Director of the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA) at the University of Pennsylvania, is an evidence based treatment for chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and problems related to trauma.  It is designed to help trauma survivors decrease fear, anxiety and distress associated with the trauma.  Prolonged Exposure can be helpful for individuals who have experienced various types of trauma including rape, violent physical assault, childhood sexual abuse, terrorist attacks, combat, motor vehicle accidents and disasters (Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety).

The treatment program consists of 10-15 weekly or twice weekly treatment sessions that last 1.5 hours each.  The treatment is based on cognitive behavioral principles.  Prolonged Exposure therapy consists of psycho-education regarding common reactions to trauma, breathing retraining, repeated exposure to situations or objects that do not pose a threat but which the client avoids due to their history of trauma. Prolonged Exposure therapy also includes revisiting and recounting the trauma memory in imagery in order to process the trauma and reduce emotional impact.  Clients are assigned daily homework between sessions.  Prolonged Exposure therapy requires that the individual has a memory of their trauma.

Several providers at MCP are certified (CTSA) Prolonged Exposure clinicians and have been trained and supervised by clinicians from CTSA.  Dr. Rebecca Getz and Dr. Joe Groninga are also certified (CTSA) consultants for Prolonged Exposure.

Most types of insurance are accepted, as is private pay. Please contact your insurance company to determine your level of coverage.

For more information, to make a referral, or to schedule an appointment, please contact our front desk at 651-644-4100.