Page 6

PRESENTING A RATIONALE FOR IN VIVO EXPOSURE

1. It is important to present a rationale for this component of therapy as you introduce it to the patient. The patient should understand why in vivo exposure is a critical component of PE and how it will help treat PTSD.
2. You can use the same techniques you used previously in the treatment rationale. In addition, the key points to convey in the in-vivo rationale are:
   1. it will help break the cycle of avoidance.
   2. it will show the patient that the feared situations are objectively safe.
   3. it will teach the patient that anxiety will eventually decrease in these situations instead of getting worse.
   4. it will inspire confidence when the patient successfully confronts trauma reminders.