Which evidence-based practice is commonly used in treating PTSD?

Prolonged exposure therapy is recognized as a highly effective evidence-based practice for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This therapy is rooted in the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and focuses on helping individuals confront and process their traumatic memories in a safe and controlled manner.

The key aspect of prolonged exposure therapy is that it encourages individuals to gradually face their fears and the memories associated with their trauma, rather than avoiding them. This gradual exposure helps diminish the power of traumatic memories and reduces symptoms of anxiety, avoidance, and distress that are characteristic of PTSD. Through repeated confrontation of these memories, clients can learn that the memories are not as threatening as they may perceive them to be, eventually leading to a decrease in PTSD symptoms.

While cognitive behavioral therapy is a broader category that may encompass various techniques, including prolonged exposure, it is this specific form of therapy that is particularly effective for PTSD. Other options listed, such as mindfulness meditation and recreational therapy, may provide benefits for some individuals but are not as extensively supported by evidence specifically for PTSD treatment as prolonged exposure therapy is.