Prolonged Exposure Therapy
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Availability
In-person or telehealth
Depending on
therapist availability.
Booking
1–2 weeks
Appointments can usually be scheduled within 1–2 weeks, with sooner options for urgent needs.
Duration
45-60 minutes
Sessions typically
last 45–60 minutes.
How Can Prolonged Exposure Therapy Improve Your Life?
Where Can I Take This Treatment and How?
Prolonged Exposure Therapy is available at multiple convenient locations, including our Naples, Fort Myers, Tampa, and Southwest Florida (SWFL) offices.
Not located near one of our offices or prefer meeting remotely? We also offer telehealth sessions to anyone located anywhere in Florida, so you can access support from the comfort of your home.
Ready to take the next step? Call us at 239-537-9646 or Fill out our Scheduling Form to get started today.
- (239) 688-2781
-
12811 Kenwood Lane
Fort Myers, FL 33907
Suite 213: Therapy
Suite 201: Psychiatry
- (239) 365-2258
-
2345 Stanford Ct.
Naples, FL 34112
Suite 602: Check-In
We accept insurance
We accept major commercial insurance providers and Medicaid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Prolonged Exposure Therapy
What is Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE Therapy)?
Prolonged Exposure Therapy is a treatment developed by Dr. Edna Foa, director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety. It is designed to help individuals process traumatic events, enabling them to distinguish between safe and unsafe situations, and manage emotions associated with trauma triggers.
Who provides Prolonged Exposure Therapy?
Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy is provided by mental health professionals who have received specialized training in trauma-focused care. Clinicians offering PE therapy are specifically trained in this evidence-based approach, often through workshops or certification programs. These providers may be:
- Mental Health Counselors
- Clinical Social Workers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Psychologists (PhD or PsyD)
- Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses. Typically, this type of therapy is not provided, or it is limited. Their focus is to treat with medications.
How does Prolonged Exposure Therapy work?
PE Therapy consists of two main components:
– Imaginal Exposure: Patients revisit and recount their traumatic experiences in a controlled therapeutic setting, aiming to process and reduce the emotional impact of these memories.
– In Vivo Exposure: Patients gradually confront situations, places, or objects they have been avoiding due to trauma-related fears, helping them distinguish between safe and unsafe scenarios.
This structured approach aims to help patients process trauma and reduce associated distress.
What conditions can Prolonged Exposure Therapy treat?
PE Therapy is primarily used to treat chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and related behaviors resulting from various traumatic events, such as combat experiences, childhood abuse, or accidents.
What can I expect during PE Therapy sessions?
During sessions, individuals:
– Engage in imaginal exposure by recounting traumatic memories.
– Participate in in vivo exposure by confronting avoided situations or triggers.
This structured approach aims to help patients process trauma and reduce associated distress.
How effective is Prolonged Exposure Therapy?
PE Therapy has been extensively studied and is considered a highly effective treatment for chronic PTSD, leading to significant improvements in symptoms and overall well-being.
How many sessions are typically needed?
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy is usually delivered in 8 to 15 weekly sessions, depending on the individual’s needs and progress.
- Each session typically lasts about 60–90 minutes.
- PE is a structured, short-term treatment that focuses on helping clients gradually confront trauma-related memories, emotions, and situations to reduce avoidance and distress over time.
Is Prolonged Exposure Therapy suitable for everyone?
Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy is highly effective for many people with PTSD, but it may not be the right fit for everyone. PE requires a willingness to revisit and process traumatic memories, which can be emotionally intense. It is most suitable for individuals who:
- Have PTSD related to a specific trauma (e.g., assault, accident, combat)
- Are emotionally stable enough to tolerate short-term increases in distress
- Are not actively abusing substances or in a crisis state
- Can engage consistently in weekly sessions and homework assignments
For individuals with complex trauma, dissociative symptoms, or ongoing unsafe environments, a therapist may recommend a slower-paced or alternative approach (like stabilization work or therapies such as EMDR, DBT, or somatic therapies) before or instead of PE.
How can I begin Prolonged Exposure Therapy?
Getting started is simple. Just complete our Scheduling Form or give us a call at 239-537-9646.
Our team will match you with a therapist who specializes in Prolonged Exposure Therapy and guide you through the process of scheduling your first appointment.
We’re here to support you every step of the way.