Session 3

Chapter 5 explores the third treatment session introducing imaginal exposure (including guidelines for prolonged or multiple incident exposure), and providing a rationale for imaginal exposure, the process of conducting imaginal exposure, and processing the imaginal exposure.

Session 2

Chapter 4 details the second session of the treatment program, including a discussion about common reactions to trauma (fear and anxiety, reexperiencing the trauma, increased arousal, avoidance, anger, guilt, grief and depression, negative self-image, suffering relationships, and alcohol or drug use), examples of in vivo exposure, an introduction to Subjective Units of Discomfort (SUDS), in vivo hierarchy construction, safety considerations, in vivo assignments, and the model of gradual in vivo exposure.

Is This Program Right for You?

Chapter 2 discusses if the prolonged exposure program is right for you and your symptoms, considering the presence of drug or alcohol abuse and dependence, and if you live or work in a high-risk environment. Processes for enhancing motivation for treatment are also explored.Chapter 2 discusses if the prolonged exposure program is right for you and your symptoms, considering the presence of drug or alcohol abuse and dependence, and if you live or work in a high-risk environment. Processes for enhancing motivation for treatment are also explored.

Introduction

Chapter 1 introduces and defines Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy, and Emotional Processing Theory, along with a background to the development of the PE treatment program, its risks and benefits, alternative treatments, the role of medications, and an outline of the program and its structure.

Intermediate Sessions

Chapter 7 provides a general structure for treatment sessions, including homework reviews, imaginal exposure, identification of and focus on particularly distressing or upsetting 'hot spot' events, how to process feelings and thoughts following imaginal exposure, and progress with in vivo exposures.

Final Session

Chapter 8 details the final session of the treatment program, considering imaginal exposure, and reflecting upon the progress that has been made, and skills that have been learned throughout the program. Processes for concluding the treatment program are also explored.

Anticipating and Solving Problems

Chapter 6 discusses common problems that may interfere with treatment, how to anticipate and solve problems and difficulties that may occur, the importance of the PE treatment model, methods of implementing effective in vivo and imaginal exposure (modifications to in vivo and imaginal exposure, under-engagement, and over-engagement) and other obstacles to successful exposures (avoidance, anger, and negative emotions).

Session 1

Chapter 3 outlines the first session of treatment and provides an overview of the program and the procedures that will be used during the course of the treatment (imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure), as well as techniques for breathing retraining and relaxation, and a rationale for treatment by prolonged exposure.