Trauma-focused therapy supports the brain’s natural capacity to heal.
Trauma Treatment.
DBT Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE) is an evidence-based trauma treatment that combines the safety and structure of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with trauma-focused exposure therapy to help individuals process traumatic experiences while maintaining emotional stability.
Developed specifically for people who struggle with intense emotions, self-harm, suicidality, or severe emotion dysregulation, DBT-PE is provided within the context of comprehensive DBT so that clients first build strong coping skills and behavioral stability before beginning direct trauma work. This phased, skills-based approach allows trauma processing to occur safely and effectively while supporting long-term recovery and a life worth living.
-
The goal is to reduce trauma-related suffering, decrease avoidance, and help clients regain freedom and confidence in their lives while continuing to build stability, meaningful relationships, and daily functioning.
-
DBT-PE is typically recommended for individuals with trauma histories or PTSD symptoms who also struggle with emotion dysregulation, avoidance, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts and who are already participating in comprehensive DBT.
-
No. Trauma processing begins only after clients have established safety, reduced life-threatening or therapy-interfering behaviors, and built consistent skills use. Readiness is assessed collaboratively between the client and therapist.
-
Traditional trauma therapies often assume a person is already emotionally stable enough to begin exposure work. DBT-PE is designed for individuals who need additional support managing intense emotions or high-risk behaviors. Clients first develop DBT skills and demonstrate readiness before trauma processing begins, creating a safer and more sustainable treatment process.
-
Sessions include structured preparation, in-session exposure to trauma memories, and gradual practice approaching avoided situations in daily life. The therapist helps the client process emotions, challenge avoidance, and apply DBT skills throughout the work.
“Trauma treatment is not about erasing the past, but helping you move forward with less pain.”
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help people process and heal from distressing or traumatic experiences that continue to affect their emotions, thoughts, and nervous system. EMDR helps the brain reprocess difficult memories so they feel less overwhelming and no longer trigger the same level of emotional or physical distress.
Rather than requiring clients to describe trauma in extensive detail, EMDR uses structured, guided methods that support the brain’s natural healing processes, allowing individuals to move toward relief, increased emotional flexibility, and improved daily functioning.
-
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps people process unresolved memories or experiences that may be contributing to anxiety, trauma symptoms, negative beliefs about themselves, or emotional distress. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or tapping, while clients focus on specific memories.
-
EMDR helps the brain reprocess memories that may feel “stuck” or unprocessed. During treatment, clients briefly bring distressing memories to mind while engaging in bilateral stimulation, which supports the brain in integrating the experience in a way that feels less emotionally intense and more adaptive.
Empirical research suggests that imaginal exposure is effective in reducing trauma-related symptoms. Further, revisiting one’s trauma narrative helps in organizing and making sense of past traumatic events, as well as gaining new perspectives, as trauma survivors continue to persevere.
-
No. EMDR does not require detailed retelling of traumatic experiences. Clients share only what feels necessary for treatment, and much of the work focuses on internal processing rather than lengthy discussion.
-
Treatment begins with assessment and preparation, including developing coping skills and identifying target memories. During reprocessing phases, clients focus on a memory while following bilateral stimulation guided by the therapist. Sessions also include grounding, reflection, and stabilization to ensure clients leave feeling safe and regulated.
-
Yes. EMDR is considered a safe and well-researched treatment when provided by a trained clinician. Therapists spend time preparing clients and building coping strategies before starting reprocessing to help ensure treatment progresses at a manageable pace.
-
The goal of EMDR is to reduce the emotional intensity connected to difficult memories, shift negative beliefs, and help clients feel more grounded, flexible, and capable in their daily lives.
