Written Exposure Therapy

Written exposure therapy can help Veterans relieve symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With this therapy, you learn to lessen the distress caused by traumatic memories.

Written exposure therapy typically consists of five sessions. Through the therapy, you learn that:

• Traumatic memories do not have to cause significant distress.

• Any distress you feel is temporary.

• It is possible to develop new ways of thinking about the trauma and its meaning.

If you choose written exposure therapy, you will be asked to:

• Write in detail about the trauma you experienced.

• Reframe the way you think about your trauma.

To learn whether written exposure therapy is right for you, speak with your mental health provider about your mental health symptoms and discuss your goals and preferences for treatment.