Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET)
Facing Trauma Through Structured, Evidence-Based Exposure
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET) is a bottom-up trauma therapy developed by Foa and Kozak (1985, 1986). It is primarily used to treat Type 1 trauma — a single-incident trauma — as well as trauma-related symptoms like depression and anxiety when the traumatic memory is vivid and sequentially recalled.
This method helps individuals process and habituate to traumatic memories by gradually confronting them in a safe, therapeutic space.
How PET Works
PET combines several structured components:
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Psychoeducation about trauma and its effects
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Breathing retraining to reduce physiological arousal
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In vivo exposure to trauma-related reminders in real life
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Imaginal exposure — revisiting the trauma memory during sessions and inbetween sessions.
By activating the fear network during exposure, the brain is able to incorporate new, corrective information. Through repeated and prolonged exposure, clients learn that the trauma is no longer occurring, reducing their fear response over time — a process known as habituation.
Why Choose PET?
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Especially effective for single-incident trauma (e.g., accidents, assaults, disasters)
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Helps reduce avoidance behaviors
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Backed by decades of clinical research and high efficacy
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Encourages emotional and cognitive healing through safe re-engagement with the trauma, reducing the fear response.
In simple terms, PET helps the brain reprocess the trauma so it understands: the event is over, and you are safe now.
Written Exposure Therapy (WET)
Healing Through Structured Writing
Written Exposure Therapy (WET) is a brief, evidence-based trauma intervention that allows individuals to confront and process traumatic memories through structured writing exercises. It is grounded in the principles of exposure therapy and is especially effective for treating PTSD and trauma-related distress.
How WET Works
During sessions, clients are guided to:
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Write in detail about the traumatic event — including sensory details, emotions, and personal reactions.
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Focus on the same memory across multiple sessions to support emotional processing.
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Complete all writing in-session, reducing the burden of at-home assignments and maintaining therapeutic safety.
The process encourages habituation — gradually reducing the emotional charge of the memory by revisiting it in a structured and supportive environment.
Benefits of WET
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Reduces PTSD and anxiety symptoms
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Encourages self-expression and emotional integration
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Requires fewer sessions than traditional trauma therapy
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Accessible and non-intrusive for clients who prefer writing over verbal exposure
WET provides a gentle but effective way to process trauma — using your own words to reclaim control over painful experiences.