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PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event -- either experiencing it or witnessing it. People with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety.

Therapy plays a crucial role in helping people cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One effective way to do this is through written exposure therapy.

What is written exposure therapy?

Written exposure therapy (WET) is a structured, evidence-based treatment for PTSD. It involves writing about the traumatic event and its impact on one's life. Under the guidance of a trained therapist, patients write about their trauma over several sessions.

Through writing, a person can confront their traumatic memories in a safe environment. This process helps to process and make sense of the event. By repeatedly engaging with the trauma in writing, the emotional intensity associated with the memories diminishes over time.

Benefits and effectiveness

One of the key benefits of written exposure therapy is its simplicity. Unlike narrative exposure therapy (NET) other forms of therapy, WET does not require a person to extensively relive their trauma verbally. This makes it accessible to many patients, including those who may find it difficult to discuss their experiences verbally.

WET aids PTSD patients by facilitating emotional processing through writing, allowing a person to express suppressed emotions. It promotes cognitive restructuring by challenging negative beliefs, which then promotes healthier perspectives. WET also incorporates exposure therapy, gradually desensitizing people to traumatic memories, leading to reduced symptoms and avoidance behaviors over time.

Research has shown promising results for written exposure therapy in treating PTSD. Studies have demonstrated reductions in PTSD symptoms following WET. Additionally, WET has shown comparable effectiveness to other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is commonly used to treat PTSD.