BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT OF A MOTOR-VEHICLE ACCIDENT SURVIVOR - AN ILLUSTRATIVE CASE OF DIRECT THERAPEUTIC EXPOSURE

Direct therapeutic exposure (DTE) is one of a class of exposure-based treatment techniques that includes in vivo and imaginal flooding, and implosive therapy. DTE is a recommended technique for the treatment of persons experiencing distress as a result of exposure to traumatic ev ents (e.g., accidents, combat, sexual assault). However, the process o f applying DTE has not been sufficiently documented so that it can be applied by practicing clinicians. Through the use of an illustrative c ase example of a motor vehicle accident survivor, the authors strive t o clarify the manner in which DTE is implemented. In doing so, an atte mpt is made to set aside many of the misunderstandings regarding DTE t hat have led in the past to improper (and thus unsuccessful) applicati on, or to avoidance of DTE. As the case study highlights, however, DTE by itself may not be sufficient, and when it is not, it should be coo rdinated with other treatment modalities to maximize and maintain trea tment gains.