Dialectical Behavior Therapy with Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE)

An integrated approach for trauma survivors with PTSD and high emotional dysregulation.

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Evidence-Based Trauma Treatment with DBT-PE

A specialized approach proven to decrease PTSD symptoms for individuals with self-harm, dissociation, or high emotional vulnerability

Best for

 PTSD, complex trauma, dissociation, self-harm, substance use with trauma history

Session format

Individual therapy (with DBT + Prolonged Exposure), In person or Virtual

Typical cadence

Weekly sessions, Session length: 60–90 minutes

Duration

Often 3–6 months within a larger DBT program

Often combined with

Standard DBT, trauma-informed therapy, psychiatry, group support

Evidence base

Research shows DBT-PE reduces PTSD symptoms while supporting safety for individuals at high risk

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What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE)?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy – Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE) is a specialized adaptation of DBT that incorporates Prolonged Exposure, a gold-standard trauma treatment. It was developed for individuals with post-traumatic stress who also experience emotional instability, self-harm behaviors, or suicidal thoughts, people who may not be ready for exposure therapy without additional support.

Within DBT-PE, the DBT framework first builds stability through coping skills, emotional regulation, and crisis management. Once a solid foundation is in place, Prolonged Exposure helps individuals safely process traumatic memories, reduce avoidance, and reclaim a sense of control and freedom from PTSD.

How Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure Helps in Recovery

A Structured, Compassionate Approach to Healing Trauma and Strengthening Emotional Stability

Reduces post-traumatic stress symptoms

Reduces post-traumatic stress symptoms

Reduces distressing memories and flashbacks

Increases safety

Increases safety

Uses DBT’s structure to reduce self-harm or unsafe behaviors during trauma work

Improves emotional regulation

Improves emotional regulation

Supports balance during and after trauma processing

Builds resilience

Builds resilience

Encourages confidence, empowerment, and long-term healing

What to Expect in Sessions

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Prolonged Exposure typically unfolds in two stages designed to support both safety and deep healing:

Stabilization with Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills:
Clients build coping strategies for emotion regulation, grounded safety, and distress tolerance before beginning trauma exposure.

Prolonged Exposure:
When clients are ready, they safely revisit and process traumatic memories, reducing avoidance and helping them reclaim daily functioning and emotional freedom.

Sessions also include relaxation, grounding, and mindfulness practices to keep exposure work balanced with emotional stability. Therapists pace the process with care, ensuring each step supports safety, control, and empowerment

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Who Benefits from Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure? (DBT-PE)

Design for Individuals Healing From Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure is ideal for individuals who experience both trauma symptoms and emotional intensity. DBT-PE blends the stabilizing skills of DBT with the evidence-based techniques of Prolonged Exposure therapy, helping people process traumatic memories safely, reduce avoidance, and rebuild a sense of safety, empowerment, and resilience.

For Individuals with PTSD and Complex Trauma

For Individuals with PTSD and Complex Trauma

Individuals with PTSD and complex trauma histories

For Those Facing Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts

For Those Facing Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts

People who also struggle with self-harm, suicidal ideation, or substance use

For Adults Not Helped by Traditional PTSD Therapy

For Adults Not Helped by Traditional PTSD Therapy

Adults who have not improved with traditional PTSD therapy alone

For Those Needing a Structured Recovery Path

For Those Needing a Structured Recovery Path

Those needing a structured, step-by-step approach to trauma recovery

For Anyone Seeking Both Healing and Emotional Safety

For Anyone Seeking Both Healing and Emotional Safety

Anyone seeking a balance of trauma work + emotional safety

Why TruPaths Highlights Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE)

Because Healing Trauma Requires More Than Talk

TruPaths highlights DBT-PE because many individuals with trauma and PTSD are excluded from traditional treatments due to safety concerns. DBT-PE provides a comprehensive, trauma-informed solution that addresses both PTSD symptoms and the high-risk behaviors that often accompany them.

FAQs About Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE)

Yes. DBT-PE was specifically developed to make trauma treatment safer for individuals at high risk.
Yes. Many providers now offer trauma-focused care online with strong outcomes.
It combines Prolonged Exposure with DBT’s structure—skills training, stabilization, and crisis support—before and during trauma work.
Often, yes. DBT-PE is billed as psychotherapy. TruPaths providers share accepted insurance and financial details.
The trauma-focused portion typically lasts 3–6 months, often within a longer DBT program.
Yes, DBT-PE can be helpful for people who haven't improved with other trauma therapies because it combines DBT skills with structured exposure for safer processing.

Find Recovery Options Offering DBT-PE

Healing from trauma is possible. If PTSD and emotional instability are holding you back, DBT-PE provides a safe, structured path to recovery.

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About TruPath's Recommendations

Recommendations are based on your location and recovery needs, including the programs you've explored, the services you've saved, and the filters you've used. We use this information to highlight similar treatment options so you never miss a trusted path forward.

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