Trauma-focused treatment integrated with DBT

DBT-PE for PTSD

DBT Prolonged Exposure is considered when PTSD remains a major problem after enough stability, commitment, and skill access have been established to approach trauma safely and effectively.

You don’t need to choose a program before contacting us. Intake does not commit you to treatment.

Your care at a glance

Integrated with ongoing DBT
Readiness and safety criteria are reviewed first
Individualized trauma-memory and in-vivo exposure work
Ongoing monitoring of target behaviour, PTSD symptoms, and functioning

Fit and safety

Could this support fit your needs?

This service may be right for you if…

PTSD symptoms remain significant after stabilization
Life-threatening and severe therapy-interfering behaviours are sufficiently controlled
You can use DBT skills and remain engaged when distress increases
You are willing to approach trauma memories and avoided situations collaboratively

A different pathway may be safer or more useful when…

Active life-threatening behaviour, severe instability, or inability to maintain safety requires stabilization first
Acute mania, psychosis, intoxication, withdrawal, or medical concerns require appropriate care
A different trauma treatment or level of care is better matched to the clinical picture

Program structure

The DBT-PE treatment sequence

The exact pace is individualized, but the clinical logic remains consistent.

Prepare

Review rationale, readiness, safety, consent, expectations, skills, and the exposure plan.

In-vivo exposure

Approach safe situations, cues, and activities that have been avoided because of trauma-related fear.

Imaginal exposure

Revisit trauma memories in a structured therapeutic procedure so the memory can be processed rather than continually escaped.

Process and learn

Examine new information about danger, guilt, shame, meaning, choice, and the ability to tolerate emotional activation.

Track outcomes

Monitor PTSD symptoms, urges, target behaviour, avoidance, and functioning throughout treatment.

Consolidate

Strengthen continued approach behaviour, relapse prevention, and a life no longer organized around trauma avoidance.

DBT-PE · treatment sequencing

Readiness comes before exposure.

Stabilization + readiness

Build behavioural control and assess protocol-specific readiness.

Trauma-focused treatment

Use the DBT Prolonged Exposure protocol for PTSD when indicated.

Integration + life-building

Address remaining difficulties and reconnect with valued activities.

DBT-PE is a specific PTSD protocol integrated with DBT. It is not the starting point for everyone with trauma. Your clinician determines sequencing and reviews readiness throughout.

Between-session and practical support

Trauma work remains embedded in a safety-focused treatment plan

DBT-PE is not a stand-alone exposure exercise. The clinician continues to monitor the DBT hierarchy, use skills, review the impact of exposures, and adjust the plan when risk or functioning changes.

No surprise exposure

The rationale, sequence, tasks, and consent are discussed explicitly.

Distress is expected—not ignored

The goal is not to eliminate emotion before exposure, but to approach trauma with enough capacity and support.

Readiness can change

The plan can pause or return to stabilization when the clinical evidence requires it.

Fees and access

Fees and practical details

DBT-PE is billed as individualized psychotherapy at the treating clinician’s current rate. Coverage requires confirmation of the assigned clinician, benefit terms, and any authorization requirements.

YOUR QUESTIONS

Questions you may have

Do I have to complete all of DBT before DBT-PE?

Not necessarily, but clear readiness criteria must be met. The clinician evaluates safety, behavioural stability, commitment, skill access, and current supports.

Will exposure make me worse?

Exposure intentionally activates trauma-related distress, but it is planned, monitored, and paced. The clinician tracks risk and functioning throughout.

Is DBT-PE the same as talking about trauma?

No. It is a structured treatment using imaginal and in-vivo exposure procedures within DBT.

Can I receive DBT-PE without ongoing DBT?

The protocol is designed to integrate with DBT. The clinic determines whether the full integrated pathway is available and appropriate.

What if I am not ready?

Treatment focuses on stabilization, commitment, safety, and skills until trauma-focused work becomes appropriate—or another pathway is recommended.

You can work out the next step with us.

Tell us what has been difficult and what you hope to change. A clinician reviews your needs and explains the recommended support, practical arrangements, and next steps.

What happens after intake?

No referral is needed to contact the clinic. Your funding provider may have separate referral or authorization requirements.