The first session was a whirlwind of questions and answers. I was anxious, but Dr. M. was calm and reassuring. She asked me about my childhood, my family, my relationships, and my work. She listened intently, offering insightful observations and gentle guidance. Dr. helped me understand the root of my anxiety and depression.

I told her about the man who had followed me, the man who had grabbed me, and the man who had raped me. I told her everything. I felt a sense of relief, a sense of release, as I spoke. I felt like I was finally letting go of something that had been weighing me down for so long. Dr. M. listened intently, nodding her head, and occasionally offering a reassuring word. She didn’t interrupt, didn’t judge, and didn’t offer unsolicited advice.

I was here to talk about my current situation. The doctor’s question, however, was a subtle but powerful one. It was a question that forced me to confront my past, to acknowledge the deep-rooted influences that shaped my present. It was a question that opened a door to a deeper understanding of myself. I had always been a person who preferred to keep things private. I was comfortable in my own skin, and I didn’t feel the need to share my personal life with others. But this time, something was different. This time, I felt compelled to be honest with Dr. M. I began to share my childhood, my struggles, and my triumphs.

Jones replied, “that’s not true. I just want to understand your experience.” “No, I mean, you’re not listening.” “I am listening,” he asserted. “I’m taking everything in, and I’m doing my best to help you.” The back-and-forth continued for a while, a tense standoff of conflicting perspectives.

These experiences, while traumatic, taught me to be wary of therapists and the therapeutic process. This skepticism, however, did not stop me from seeking help. I knew I needed to address the deep-seated issues that were impacting my life. I was struggling with anxiety, depression, and a sense of emptiness. I was also dealing with a lot of anger and frustration. I felt like I was drowning in my own emotions.

Prolonged exposure therapy involves gradually exposing the patient to the traumatic memory or situation in a safe and controlled environment. This process helps the patient to reprocess the trauma and reduce its emotional intensity. The author then describes their experience with prolonged exposure therapy.

I was experiencing more anxiety and panic attacks, and my sleep was disrupted. This was a stark contrast to the initial relief I had felt when I started therapy. The author’s experience highlights several key points about the accessibility and effectiveness of short-term, evidence-based therapies. First, the author’s struggle to find a private practitioner who offered prolonged exposure therapy underscores the limited availability of these therapies, particularly in the context of private practice. This lack of access can be attributed to several factors, including the high cost of training and certification for therapists, the limited number of therapists specializing in these therapies, and the potential for lower reimbursement rates from private insurance compared to traditional talk therapy.

* **Exposure Therapy:** This is the core of the treatment. It involves gradually exposing the individual to the feared object or situation in a safe and controlled environment. * **Gradual Exposure:** The therapist guides the individual through a series of steps, starting with the least anxiety-provoking version of the feared object or situation and gradually increasing the intensity. * **Cognitive Restructuring:** This involves challenging and changing negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to anxiety.

You need to forgive them.” Her words, though well-intentioned, felt like a slap in the face. I felt like I was being told to ignore the pain and move on, without acknowledging the real cause of my suffering. The prolonged exposure treatment, however, was a different story. It was a gradual process, starting with small, manageable exposures to my triggers. It wasn’t about ignoring the pain, but about learning to manage it. It was about understanding the triggers and developing coping mechanisms. It was about confronting my fears and anxieties, but in a controlled and safe environment. The treatment involved a series of exercises and techniques, including cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and mindfulness.