Written Exposure Therapy

Brief, effective trauma treatment in just 5 sessions. Process trauma through structured writing with expert guidance.

What is Written Exposure Therapy?

Effective Trauma Treatment in Just 5 Sessions

Written Exposure Therapy (WET) is a brief, evidence-based treatment for PTSD that uses written trauma narratives to promote emotional processing and symptom reduction. Developed from decades of exposure therapy research, WET condenses effective trauma processing into just 5 weekly sessions—making it one of the most time-efficient PTSD treatments available. At Summit Psychotherapy Center, our trauma specialists guide you through repeatedly writing about your traumatic experience in a structured way that promotes healing. Unlike traditional talk therapy, WET harnesses the power of writing to help your brain process the trauma memory, reduce avoidance, and decrease PTSD symptoms. It’s particularly appealing for those who want effective treatment but have time constraints or prefer writing to verbal processing.

How Does WET Work?

The Science Behind Written Exposure

Structured Writing Sessions

Each week for 5 weeks, you’ll write about your traumatic experience for 30 minutes during the therapy session. You write about the same trauma each time, including thoughts, feelings, and sensory details.

Emotional Processing Through Writing

Repeatedly writing about the trauma in a safe context helps your brain process and organize the memory in a new way. The writing promotes emotional engagement with the memory while you’re in a safe environment.

New Learning

With each writing session, the brain begins to organize the memory differently so it is no longer stored in a splintered fashion. This promotes new learning and helps you gain perspectives on what happened.

Between-Session

Unlike other evidence-based therapies for PTSD, this treatment does not involve any homework.

Who is WET For?

Is Written Exposure Therapy Right for You?

WET may be especially helpful if you:
Have been diagnosed with PTSD or have trauma symptoms
Want effective treatment in a shorter timeframe (5 sessions vs. 12-15)
Prefer writing to verbal processing
Have time or scheduling constraints
Feel comfortable expressing yourself through writing
Want less time dedicated to at home practice
Prefer less intensive therapist involvement during processing
Want evidence-based treatment with proven effectiveness
Note: WET has been shown effective for various trauma types and is particularly appealing for those with busy schedules or those who prefer written expression.
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What to Expect
in WET Treatment

The 5-Session WET Protocol

WET follows a streamlined 5-session structure:

Session 1: Introduction and First Writing

Learning about WET, PTSD, and completing your first 30-minute writing about the trauma

Sessions 2-5: Continued Writing

Each session, you write for 30 minutes about the same trauma, including thoughts, feelings, and details

Exposure and Processing

Confronting the experience by recounting it and correcting the splintered memory

Symptom Monitoring

Your therapist tracks your PTSD symptoms and emotional response throughout

Approach Behavior

Allowing thoughts, images and feelings that come up rather than pushing them away

Brief Time Commitment

Only 5 weekly sessions and no homework between sessions

Completion and Maintenance

Final session reviews progress and discusses maintaining gains

Therapist Support

Guidance and encouragement throughout the process

WET vs. Other Trauma Treatments

How WET Compares

Advantages of WET

Brevity

Only 5 sessions vs. 12-15 for PE/CPT

Efficiency

Less therapist time and homework required

Accessibility

Can be delivered via telehealth easily

Writing Preference

Some people process better through writing than talking
When Other Treatments May Be Better

Complex Presentations

PE or CPT may be better for folks requiring a higher “dose” of treatment

Emotion Regulation:

Those with significant dysregulation or complex PTSD may benefit from DBT-PE or DBT-PTSD

Cognitive Focus

CPT offers more cognitive restructuring if stuck points are prominent

Avoidance Focus

PE’s in vivo exposure component directly targets avoidance behaviors

Effectiveness

Research shows WET is as effective as longer treatments for many people with PTSD, with significant symptom reduction in this brief format.
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Why Choose Summit for WET?

Expert Trauma Treatment Specialists

Our trauma specialists are extensively trained in evidence-based PTSD treatments including Written Exposure Therapy. We understand the research behind WET and how to deliver it effectively while monitoring for any difficulties that arise. We’re committed to helping you find the most effective, efficient path to trauma recovery.

Ready for Brief, Effective Trauma Treatment?

Written Exposure Therapy offers a streamlined path to PTSD recovery in just 5 sessions. Our trauma specialists can help you determine if WET is right for your healing journey.
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