Trauma doesn’t just leave emotional wounds—it reshapes how we think, feel, and function in daily life. Many people struggling with the effects of trauma find themselves stuck in cycles of anxiety, avoidance, or painful memories. But healing is not only possible—it’s measurable, structured, and supported by decades of research.
At Collaborative Change Counseling, we use evidence-based, behaviorally oriented trauma treatments that help people take real steps toward reclaiming their lives. This article introduces three trauma therapies that we offer: Written Exposure Therapy (WET), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)—all backed by science and tailored to meet your needs.
Interested in working through trauma with professional support? Schedule a consultation with Collaborative Change Counseling.
Why Evidence-Based Trauma Therapy Works
When trauma isn’t processed effectively, it can get “stuck” in our nervous systems. You might find yourself avoiding reminders, struggling with flashbacks, or feeling emotionally numb.
Behavioral trauma therapies help you approach, process, and reframe these experiences in a structured, supportive way. Unlike unstructured talk therapy or surface-level coping techniques, these approaches:
- Have strong clinical evidence of effectiveness
- Follow clear protocols and goals
- Are often time-limited (e.g., 5–12 sessions)
- Help reduce PTSD symptoms, avoidance, and distress
These methods are not about reliving trauma—they’re about restoring your power to move forward.
Comparing WET, PE & CPT: A Quick Overview
- WET (Written Exposure Therapy)
- Duration: 5 sessions
- Focus: Guided trauma writing
- Ideal For: Individuals with limited time or those new to trauma therapy
- PE (Prolonged Exposure)
- Duration: 8–15 sessions
- Focus: Gradual exposure to feared trauma memories and situations
- Ideal For: Clients struggling with avoidance or experiencing flashbacks
- CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy)
- Duration: 12 sessions
- Focus: Reframing trauma-related thoughts and beliefs
- Ideal For: Those dealing with guilt, shame, or self-blame related to traumatic events
1. Written Exposure Therapy (WET)
What it is: A five-session, evidence-based treatment where clients write about their trauma in a guided, structured way.
How it helps:
- Reduces avoidance of trauma-related memories
- Decreases emotional distress
- Promotes meaning-making and insight
Real-World Example: One client who had been avoiding a traumatic event for years found that writing about it in a structured way helped them regain emotional clarity and reduced the intensity of intrusive thoughts.
Explore treatment for depression and trauma
2. Prolonged Exposure (PE)
What it is: A structured, evidence-based therapy for PTSD that helps you gradually approach trauma memories and avoidant behaviors.
How it helps:
- Desensitizes the fear response tied to trauma
- Helps reclaim daily functioning
- Reduces flashbacks, anxiety, and avoidance
Real-World Example: A client experiencing panic whenever they passed the site of a past traumatic event learned, through gradual exposure, to move through their neighborhood without fear.
Learn about stress and how we treat it
3. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
What it is: A 12-session therapy that helps you identify and shift unhelpful beliefs related to trauma.
How it helps:
- Addresses guilt, shame, and distorted thinking
- Encourages new ways of viewing the world and self
- Supports cognitive restructuring through writing and reflection
Real-World Example: A client who felt deep self-blame after a traumatic loss found new understanding and self-compassion through CPT’s thought-challenging exercises.
Discover how behavior-based therapy promotes healing.
What Makes These Therapies Safe & Effective
We know trauma therapy can feel intimidating. That’s why we:
- Always proceed at your pace
- Emphasize safety, consent, and collaboration
- Offer a warm, validating therapeutic relationship
These treatments don’t force trauma processing—they empower it. You’re never alone in the process.
Get in touch with a trauma-informed therapist today.
Who Are These Therapies For?
Behaviorally oriented trauma therapies are ideal for individuals experiencing:
- PTSD or complex trauma symptoms
- Ongoing avoidance or emotional numbness
- Flashbacks, panic, or heightened anxiety
- Difficulty trusting others or themselves
Whether your trauma is recent or from years ago, these approaches help you move forward—step by step.
Conclusion
You don’t have to keep reliving your trauma. With the right support, it’s possible to reclaim your story, restore your sense of self, and create a new future grounded in safety and meaning.
At Collaborative Change Counseling, we specialize in behavioral trauma therapies like WET, PE, and CPT—practical, powerful methods that can guide you through healing.
Your healing journey can start today. Reach out for a consultation and let’s find the right path for you.
FAQs: Trauma Therapy Options
1. How do I know which therapy is right for me?
We’ll help you choose based on your goals, symptoms, and comfort level during our intake process.
2. Will I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
Only at your pace. Each therapy allows for structured, gradual exposure—with safety at the core.
3. Are these therapies backed by research?
Yes. WET, PE, and CPT are among the most studied and effective treatments for PTSD and trauma-related distress.
4. Can these therapies help if I’ve been in therapy before?
Absolutely. Many people find that these structured approaches succeed where general talk therapy didn’t.5. Which trauma therapy is best for me?
Each therapy serves a different purpose—WET is brief and effective for many; PE works well for those with intense avoidance; CPT supports reframing beliefs. We’ll help you choose the one best suited to your needs.
