Final Session

This final session reviews what the patient has learned in the course of prolonged exposure (PE), what has changed or improved, and what the patient needs to continue to do. Also reviewed are concepts (e.g., facing rather than avoiding trauma memories and reminders) and skills the patient has learned. The therapist prepares the patient for the likelihood of a temporary increase in posttraumatic stress disorder and related symptoms when under significant stress, such as on the anniversary of the trauma or more general difficulties at work or in the family. Working with a patient in PE can be emotionally intense for both the patient and the therapist, and terminating therapy can be difficult for the patient. If the therapist is terminating treatment at this point, he or she should take time to offer the patient feedback and to say goodbye.