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TRAUMA CARE PSYCHOLOGY

Prolonged Exposure (PE) in Ontario

Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy is an evidence-based PTSD treatment that helps individuals process traumatic memories safely, reduce flashbacks and anxiety, overcome avoidance, and restore control over their lives.

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Our PE Program

An evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals recover from PTSD and trauma. Clients learn to safely process traumatic memories, reduce avoidance, manage flashbacks and anxiety, and regain emotional stability.

Key Features

Psychoeducation: Clients learn how avoidance maintains PTSD symptoms and how facing fears can reduce them.
Imaginal Exposure: Guided retelling of the traumatic memory in a safe environment to process and reduce distress.
In Vivo Exposure: Gradual facing of avoided (but otherwise safe) places, people, or activities linked to the trauma in real life.
Emotional Processing: Reflection after exposures to recognize new perspectives and reduce negative beliefs.
Homework Practice: Structured assignments to practice exposure techniques between sessions.

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Why Choose PE?

Prolonged Exposure (PE) is a structured, evidence-based therapy for PTSD designed to help individuals gradually confront traumatic memories and situations they have been avoiding. By approaching, rather than avoiding these painful experiences, PE helps reduce the power of trauma memories over daily life.

PE can help with:

Significant reduction in PTSD symptoms
Decreased avoidance and anxiety
Greater sense of safety and confidence
Improved ability to engage in daily life and relationships

PE is typically delivered in 8–15 sessions and is one of the most well-researched, effective treatments for PTSD and trauma-related conditions.

See if PE is Right for You

Who is PE For?

Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy is designed for individuals who are:

Struggling with PTSD or trauma-related symptoms
Experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
Avoiding reminders of traumatic experiences
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, or emotional distress
Seeking an evidence-based, structured approach to process trauma and regain control over their lives

Prolonged Exposure (PE) was developed by Dr. Edna Foa, a leading clinical psychologist and researcher in trauma and PTSD and her colleagues. They created PE to provide a structured, evidence-based method to help individuals safely confront and process traumatic memories, reducing avoidance and alleviating PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and intense anxiety.

At TraumaCare, we may use PE as a standalone treatment or integrate it with other evidence-based approaches, such as DBT or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), to provide a personalized, comprehensive approach to trauma recovery.

Get Matched With a PE Therapist

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How PE Helps

Prolonged Exposure (PE) helps individuals heal from PTSD by gradually and safely confronting trauma-related memories, thoughts, and situations. The therapy combines structured exposure with practical coping strategies to reduce avoidance, anxiety, and trauma symptoms.

Guided revisiting of traumatic memories in a safe environment to reduce the emotional impact over time.
Gradual, real-life confrontation of avoided situations or triggers related to the trauma.
Teaching about PTSD, trauma responses, and the rationale behind exposure therapy.
Techniques to manage anxiety and physiological distress during exposures.
Processing thoughts and emotions after exposures to build understanding and emotional regulation.

Book Intake Call

Starting therapy is simple and supportive:

Get in Touch
Book a call online with our intake coordinator or fill our the “Contact Us” form to the right. You can also email us directly at admin@traumacarepsychology.ca or call us at (647) 456-7500.
20-Minute Intake Call
Speak with our intake coordinator to ensure the best match with a therapist or take a look at our therapist options online and select one you believe might be a fit and schedule a free 20-min consultation call with the therapist directly.
Schedule Your First Session
The first session is designed to gather information so we can come up with a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.