Trauma symptom reduction
- Reduce the frequency and intensity of flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive memories
- Lower overall anxiety and hyperarousal responses
Individual Therapy · Ontario
Prolonged Exposure (PE) in Ontario
Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy is an evidence-based PTSD treatment that helps individuals process traumatic memories safely, reduce flashbacks and anxiety, overcome avoidance, and restore control over their lives.
- Virtual & In-Person
- Across Ontario
- Now Accepting Clients
- Free intro call available
- 8–15 Sessions
- Approx. 2–3 months
The Approach
What is PE?
PE was developed by Dr. Edna Foa, a leading clinical psychologist and researcher in trauma and PTSD, to provide a structured, evidence-based method for helping individuals safely confront and process traumatic memories. The therapy uses both imaginal exposure, revisiting trauma memories in a safe therapeutic environment, and in-vivo exposure, gradually approaching avoided situations in real life. By reducing avoidance and helping the nervous system learn that memories and reminders are not dangerous, PE alleviates PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and intense anxiety. At Trauma Care Psychology, we may use PE as a standalone treatment or integrate it with other evidence-based approaches such as DBT or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), to provide a personalized, comprehensive approach to trauma recovery.
At a Glance
Duration
8–15 sessions (approx. 2–3 months)
Format
Imaginal and in-vivo exposure
Delivery
Virtual across Ontario · In-person in Toronto
Approach
Graduated exposure + emotional processing
Concerns We Treat
Conditions PE is used to treat at our clinic
PE is a first-line PTSD treatment recommended by the VA, the American Psychological Association, and the World Health Organization. Research shows clinically significant improvement in 40 to 75 percent of people with chronic PTSD.
Is This Right for You
Reducing the grip avoidance has on your life
PE is a structured, evidence-based therapy for PTSD designed to help individuals gradually confront traumatic memories and situations they have been avoiding. It is typically delivered in 8–15 sessions and is one of the most well-researched, effective treatments for PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
Avoidance is one of the main reasons PTSD persists. While it provides short-term relief, it prevents the nervous system from learning that memories and reminders are no longer dangerous. PE works directly on this cycle, using carefully paced exposure to reduce distress from the inside out.
Book a Free Intro CallYou may benefit if you:
- Experience PTSD, flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
- Avoid places, people, situations, or activities because of trauma
- Feel overwhelmed by anxiety or fear when reminded of what happened
- Have PTSD from a specific event or series of traumatic experiences
- Want a structured, evidence-based treatment with measurable progress
Core Techniques
What you'll work on
PE targets two interconnected outcomes, with both in-session and between-session work contributing to lasting change.
Reclaiming daily life
- Decrease avoidance that restricts activities, relationships, and places
- Restore confidence and engagement in everyday life and goals
What to Expect
The four components of PE
PE is structured around four core components that work together across sessions. Exposure is graduated and always paced to what you can manage.
Psychoeducation
Your therapist explains how avoidance keeps PTSD symptoms active over time. Understanding this mechanism is the foundation for everything that follows. Breathing retraining is also introduced as a coping tool.
Imaginal exposure
In session, you revisit the traumatic memory by describing it aloud in the present tense, guided by your therapist. Sessions are recorded so you can listen between appointments, allowing the distress to reduce gradually through repeated, safe engagement.
In-vivo exposure
Between sessions, you gradually approach real-world situations, places, or activities you have been avoiding because of the trauma. A hierarchy is built together and worked through at a manageable, graduated pace.
Emotional processing
After each exposure, you and your therapist reflect on what came up: thoughts, emotions, and any shifts in how you understand the trauma. This processing is where much of the lasting change takes root.
Our Program
How treatment is structured
PE follows a phased structure. Preparation and psychoeducation always precede exposure work, and processing is built into every session.
Phase I
Psychoeducation and planning
We explore how avoidance maintains PTSD symptoms, build coping resources, and establish a safe, collaborative treatment plan.
Phase II
Imaginal and in-vivo exposure
Clients gradually revisit trauma memories through guided retelling and confront avoided but safe situations using structured real-life exercises.
Phase III
Processing and maintenance
We reflect on emotional shifts after exposures, consolidate learning, and build long-term strategies to maintain progress.
Related Treatments
Looking for a different trauma-therapy approach?
We offer a range of evidence-based trauma therapies. The best fit depends on your history, presentation, and goals.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions about PE
PE is typically delivered over 8 to 15 weekly sessions, completing in roughly 2 to 3 months. Each session runs 60 to 90 minutes. The exact number depends on the complexity of your trauma history and how quickly distress reduces with exposure. Progress is reviewed regularly throughout.
PE does involve revisiting traumatic memories, but this happens gradually and in a safe, supported environment. Imaginal exposure is guided by your therapist and paced according to what you can manage. Research consistently shows that this process reduces distress over time rather than making it worse. The goal is to help the nervous system learn that the memory itself is not dangerous.
In-vivo exposure involves gradually approaching real-world situations, places, or activities you have been avoiding because of your trauma. These are situations that are objectively safe but feel threatening due to their association with the trauma. Your therapist works with you to build a graduated hierarchy, and you practice between sessions. Listening to session recordings between appointments is also a core part of the process.
PE works primarily through graduated exposure to the trauma memory and avoided situations, helping the nervous system habituate to distress. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to process memory without requiring detailed verbal retelling. CPT focuses on identifying and restructuring trauma-linked beliefs through written exercises. All three are evidence-based first-line treatments for PTSD. The best fit depends on your presentation and preferences.
Most sessions are covered in full or in part by extended health benefit plans. We provide detailed receipts for all sessions to support reimbursement. Visit our Fees and Coverage page for full details.
Yes. We offer virtual PE across Ontario. Both imaginal and in-vivo components are compatible with virtual delivery, and research supports its effectiveness online. Session recordings can be shared securely for between-session listening. In-person sessions are also available in Toronto.
Have a question not listed here? Visit our full FAQ page or get in touch directly.
Take the First Step
Find out whether Prolonged Exposure is the right PTSD treatment fit for you.
Our clinicians will help you figure out whether PE is the right fit, and what that would look like for you.
Book an Intro CallVirtual & In-Person · Ontario
Getting Started
Starting therapy is simple and supportive.
- 1
Get in touch by booking a call online with our intake coordinator or by completing the contact form. You can also email admin@traumacarepsychology.ca or call (647) 456-7500.
- 2
Complete a 20-minute intake call so we can determine the best therapist fit and treatment direction. Alternatively, browse our clinician directory and book a free 20-minute consultation directly with a clinician you feel is a good fit.
Browse our clinician directory → - 3
Schedule your first session and begin a personalized treatment plan based on your goals and concerns.
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Contact Us
Fill out the form and our intake coordinator will be in contact shortly.
Virtual care across Ontario · In-person in Toronto.