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DBT Prolonged Exposure Therapy
What to expect with Prolonged Exposure Therapy
For clients who feel ready to address trauma more directly, Stage 2 DBT can include Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy integrated into ongoing DBT treatment. This approach builds on the skills you’ve already developed, helping ensure that trauma work happens in a way that feels supported, grounded, and paced to your readiness.
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Prolonged Exposure is woven into your existing DBT treatment, allowing you to continue using emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness skills while beginning trauma-focused work.
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During individual therapy, dedicated time is set aside to gently and collaboratively work with trauma memories. You and your therapist process these experiences in a structured, supportive way that prioritizes safety and choice.
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The aim is to reduce PTSD symptoms such as intrusive memories, heightened anxiety, and avoidance, while helping you build a new relationship to past experiences that no longer feel overwhelming or controlling.
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Trauma work always moves at a thoughtful pace and is guided by your readiness. Your therapist remains closely attuned to your needs, helping you stay grounded and connected to your strengths throughout the process.
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Over the course of approximately 12 weeks, many clients experience meaningful shifts and a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms.
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Research indicates that integrating Prolonged Exposure into DBT can be especially effective. Clients receiving DBT with PE are more likely to experience relief from PTSD symptoms than those receiving DBT alone (Harned, Korslund, & Linehan, Behavior Research and Therapy, 2014).
You are not in this alone
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Tricia Mlnarik
PRACTICE OWNER + LMFT
Tricia (she/her) is a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification Certified DBT Clinician and specializes in using DBT to help clients heal from traumatic experiences. She enjoys working collaboratively with clients as experts of their own experiences and goals.
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Leah Nascimento
LMFT
Leah (she/her) has specialized in working with adolescents and young adults, and has brought her talents to helping her clients gain healthy behaviors and learn how to manage their feelings, emotions and personal interactions within the DBT framework. -
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Stormeka Jones
LMFT
Stormeka (she/her) holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, she enjoys working with people of all ages with an integrative-holistic approach to help increase self awareness and self acceptance.
Stormeka has utilized CBT, DBT and exposure and response prevention (ERP) with adolescents in inpatient and IOP settings and she approaches clients with trauma informed care.
You don’t have to figure this out alone
Support starts here. Connect with us to explore how trauma-focused therapy and Prolonged Exposure (PE) can help you safely process traumatic experiences, reduce avoidance, and regain a sense of confidence and control. Our goal is to support meaningful healing while helping you feel more grounded, empowered, and connected.
You can schedule a free, confidential initial telephone consultation with our intake coordinator using the link below.