What is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD is a collection of symptoms that arise in response to a trauma. These include four main categories: intrusive symptoms (such as flashbacks and nightmares), avoidance (avoiding reminders or emotions associated with the trauma), negative changes in mood and thinking (e.g., self-blame, feelings of guilt, or detachment), and hyperarousal (e.g., irritability, difficulty sleeping, heightened startle response). What is PTSD video
What is PE (prolonged exposure) therapy?
PE is the most effective treatment for PTSD. It has been studied for over 40 years and is supported as a gold-standard treatment for PTSD in multiple clinical practice guidelines. What is PE video
What is accelerated PE therapy?
Accelerate PE is the same therapy as traditional PE, but delivered at a faster pace with three or more sessions per week. This approach reduces the risk of drop out and leads to a more rapid reduction in PTSD symptoms because the full course of therapy is completed in two to four weeks.
What do clients say about their experience with PE therapy?
Generally, clients who complete PE therapy are glad to have done so and feel much better. Individual outcomes do vary from person to person. Here is a brief video with real clients who have completed PE and agreed to share about it. PE Client video
What can I expect therapy with Dr. Aosved to be like?
All therapy likely involves a combination of support and challenge for the individual client. Therapy with me is this way too. My job is to be a cheerleader and a coach for my clients, to push them to meet their recovery goals and to celebrate their successes along the way. I have been described as warm, curious, helpful, supportive, collaborative, creative, flexible, focused, consistent, open, affirming, and transparent. Therapy with me is brief and focused on meeting your goals quickly.
Hear my thoughts on therapy for PTSD with PE in season 1, episode 10 of “A therapist can’t say that” podcast.
How can I prepare for PE?
Focus on your why. Reflect on what you want to reclaim in your life and how you’d like to thrive. All you need is motivation, a private space for your therapy sessions, an internet enabled device to join your telehealth sessions with, and a recording device. Some clients also opt to use the PE Coach smartphone application to support their PE therapy and some choose to purchase the PE therapy client workbook, these are not required.
What is telehealth?
Telehealth refers to the use of digital communication tools, such as virtual (video) calls, phone calls, or secure messaging platforms, to provide psychology services remotely. All Thrive psychotherapy sessions are virtual, so all sessions can be delivered to the comfort of your own home (or any other private space of your choice). Telehealth offers flexibility, convenience, and access to care for individuals who may face barriers to care.
What does evidence-based treatment mean?
Evidence-based treatment means that the treatment has been studied and research and experts agree that the treatment is effective for the condition. Watch this brief video explaining evidence-based treatment.
What is measurement-based care?
Measurement-based care in mental health involves using systematic tools and data to assess and monitor a client’s symptoms, progress, and treatment response, guiding clinical decisions for personalized care. It aims to improve outcomes by adjusting treatment plans based on real-time, objective information.
What are clinical practice guidelines?
Clinical practice guidelines are evidence-based recommendations that help healthcare providers deliver consistent, effective care, ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate treatments for their conditions. They matter because they improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of care, and standardize practices across healthcare settings. PE is recommended as a frontline treatment for PTSD in all clinical practice guidelines for PTSD: American Psychological Association and VA/DoD.