Trauma can keep your brain stuck on high alert long after the danger has passed.
Prolonged Exposure helps you gently face reminders, so fear shrinks and daily life feels manageable again.
When Trauma Still Feels Present
If trauma still feels close, even months or years later, you may feel tense, jumpy, or on guard. Sleep may be disrupted. Certain places, sounds, or thoughts may trigger intense fear.
You might avoid reminders just to get through the day. While avoidance can feel protective, it often keeps fear strong.
You’re not weak for feeling this way. Trauma changes how the brain responds to threat. The good news is that the brain can relearn safety.
How Prolonged Exposure Helps Fear Shrink
Prolonged Exposure (PE) is a structured, research-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It works on a simple idea: when you gradually face trauma reminders in a safe setting, your brain learns they are no longer dangerous.
Over time, fear decreases. Memories feel less overwhelming. You begin organizing your life around what matters—not around avoidance.
At The Concord Center, PE is part of our broader Evidence-Based Treatments, tailored to each client’s goals and pace.
What to Expect in Prolonged Exposure Therapy
PE is collaborative and steady. You and your therapist decide together how to move forward.
Most clients attend eight to fifteen sessions. Sessions last about 60 to 120 minutes, depending on your needs.
Treatment typically includes:
- Learning and calming skills
You’ll learn how trauma affects the brain and body. Simple breathing tools help lower physical tension before starting exposure work. - Imaginal exposure
In session, you describe the memory out loud in a safe environment. Repeating this process helps the emotional intensity decrease over time. - In-vivo exposure
You gradually approach safe situations you’ve been avoiding—such as driving, crowds, or certain locations. These steps are planned together and practiced between sessions.
With repetition, your brain learns: I am safe now. I can handle this.
Who Is a Good Fit for PE?
PE is designed for people experiencing PTSD symptoms such as:
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Avoiding reminders of the event
- Persistent negative thoughts about yourself or the world
- Feeling constantly “on edge”
If these symptoms are interfering with work, school, relationships, or daily life, a full assessment can help clarify next steps.
You can learn more about trauma-related symptoms on our Symptoms & Diagnoses page.
FAQs About Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
1. How do I know if Prolonged Exposure is right for me?
If trauma symptoms are interfering with your sleep, work, school, or relationships, PE may help. A licensed clinician will complete an assessment and recommend the best fit for your needs.
2. What if talking about the trauma feels overwhelming?
That concern is common. PE is gradual and collaborative. You move at a steady pace, and your therapist helps you build calming skills before starting exposure work.
3. How long does treatment take?
Most clients attend eight to fifteen sessions. Session length and total duration may vary based on your goals and symptom severity.
4. How much does treatment cost?
The Concord Center is a self-pay practice. We provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement, and sliding-scale options are available for those who qualify.
5. How soon can I get started?
Availability varies based on clinician schedules. After you complete the inquiry form, we review your information and follow up with next steps and timing.
6. How do I get started, and is there a waitlist?
The first step is to complete the inquiry form. We’ll review your information and follow up about fit, availability, and next steps.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. We aim to make the process clear and straightforward.
Complete an inquiry form for individual services.
We will review your information and follow up with next steps, including whether Prolonged Exposure or another treatment may be the best fit.