Written Exposure Therapy (WET)

A type of cognitive behavioral treatment that focuses on decreasing symptoms of PTSD. A short term, individual therapy that addresses trauma memories, via writing, in a safe and supportive environment.

Written exposure therapy can help you relieve symptoms of 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.