Suggestions for Continued Practice at the End of PE Therapy for PTSD

Meet Your Instructor: Barbara Olasov Rothbaum, Ph.D.

Associate Vice-Chair of Clinical Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
Director, Emory Healthcare Veterans Program
Director, Emory Trauma and Anxiety Recovery Program
Paul A. Janssen Chair in Neuropsychopharmacology

Key Points

Prepare the patient for a temporary increase in PTSD symptoms when under significant stress.
We want to hear that the patient can apply what they learned in therapy.
Identify warning signs. Have them list these signs and come up with a plan if they occur.
If you continue seeing the patient for other issues, make it clear that PE has ended.
There’s usually a strong bond that develops during exposure therapy.
Make time to terminate properly and say goodbye.