Prolonged Exposure (PE) is an evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related concerns. PE helps individuals safely and gradually confront trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations that they’ve been avoiding. Avoidance is a natural response to trauma, but over time it can keep you stuck—trapped in fear, shame, or distress. In PE, we work together to revisit these painful experiences in a structured and supportive way, so they can become less overwhelming and have less control over your daily life.
Through imaginal exposure (revisiting the trauma memory in detail) and in vivo exposure (approaching avoided, safe situations), PE helps reduce trauma symptoms, reconnect you with your values, and restore a sense of agency. Healing from trauma is possible, and PE offers a clear, research-backed path forward.
What is DBT Prolonged Exposure?
DBT PE is an adaptation of prolonged exposure (PE) therapy for PTSD that is integrated into standard DBT for clients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or similar difficulties (e.g., chronic emotion dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal behaviors). It was developed by Melanie Harned, PhD, and was designed for high risk clients, especially those who may not have been considered good candidates for trauma-focused therapy in the past.
DBT PE combines the strengths of both Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) to provide a safe, structured approach to trauma treatment for clients who experience intense emotions and high-risk behaviors. The DBT skills teach emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which support clients in managing the overwhelming feelings that can arise during trauma processing.
By integrating PE within a DBT framework, clients receive comprehensive support that addresses both the trauma itself and the emotional challenges that often accompany it. This makes DBT PE especially effective for individuals with complex presentations who might otherwise struggle in traditional trauma-focused therapies.
If you or someone you know is coping with PTSD symptoms alongside emotional dysregulation, DBT PE might be a suitable and empowering treatment option. Together, we can work toward healing trauma while building the skills to live a more balanced and meaningful life.
