Speakers Bureau - Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) For PTSD

Brief Description:

This intensive two-day module provides training in Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy, an evidence-based treatment for PTSD described in the manual, Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD – Therapist Guide, by Foa et al., 2007. It covers the empirical and theoretical support for PE and reviews the main clinical techniques used in this structured protocol. Step-by-step instructions for conducting PE therapy sessions, including in vivo and imaginal exposure, along with strategies for working with over- and under-engaged patients and other difficult cases, are shared. Videotaped examples of PE cases are used to demonstrate therapist skills. Participants are expected to do role-plays in class to practice PE techniques, and they must attend both days.

Note: This presentation can be presented face-to-face or as a webinar.

Learning Objectives:

1. Develop a theoretical conceptualization of a client’s PTSD symptoms to guide treatment planning.
2. Communicate a rationale for Prolonged Exposure Therapy that builds rapport, improves client motivation, and increases treatment adherence.
3. Determine how common reactions to trauma relate to the symptoms of PTSD and articulate how these reactions impact client functioning.
4. Demonstrate an effective method of breathing that reduces client arousal and promotes distress tolerance.
5. Construct an individualized avoidance hierarchy designed to systematically confront core fears.
6. Implement in vivo exposure to block trauma related avoidance.
7. Facilitate imaginal exposure to reduce the intensity and frequency of PTSD symptoms.
8. Utilize specific skills to manage emotional engagement to increase the effectiveness of imaginal exposure.
9. Structure homework assignments that deepen exposure-based learning and further treatment goals.
10. Distinguish “hot spots” in the trauma memory in order to more efficiently reduce the intensity of associated symptoms.
11. Analyze exposure exercises to facilitate new learning and modify client's unhelpful, trauma-based cognitions.
12. Incorporate new learning to revise unhelpful cognitions that promote avoidance and maintain symptoms.
13. Assess Prolonged Exposure Therapy outcomes using standardized procedures and use assessment data to refine treatment planning.
14. Adapt exposure techniques in a theoretically consistent manner to improve accessibility and clinical outcomes for specific patients.

Primary Goal: After completion of this training, behavioral health providers will be able to effectively implement PE.