Exposure therapy helps heal trauma

Prolonged exposure therapy, a leading treatment for PTSD, helps people overcome trauma by gradually facing their fears. Developed by psychologist Edna Foa, this method involves two key steps: vividly recalling traumatic memories and safely confronting avoided situations in real life. This process, similar to how phobias are treated, teaches the brain to reduce its fear response, breaking the cycle of avoidance that fuels PTSD symptoms.