Application of the Imaginal Exposure Technique in a Brief Psychotherapy Process, Based on Prolonged Exposure Therapy From the Cognitive-Behavioral Approach, in a Patient with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Study

Abstract

This case study describes the evaluation and treatment process carried out with a patient diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with a specifier of derealization, according to theDiagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association, 2014). The study was conducted through the application of various psychological assessment instruments. Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) was used as the treatment approach, allowing for a cognitive-behavioral framework to address the trauma. PE aims to help trauma survivors process their traumatic experiences in order to reduce symptoms associated with the evento (Olasov et al., 2008). The assessment followed a multi-source methodology, and the results demonstrated the effectiveness and validity of Prolonged Exposure Therapy, leading to a reduction in PTSD symptoms and reinforcing positive outcomes and adaptive behaviors achieved through the treatment.