Written Exposure Therapy (WET)
A brief, powerful, evidence-based trauma treatment that helps you process trauma, reduce symptoms, and reclaim your life — in as little as 5 sessions.
Available virtually in CA, TX, FL, SC, UT, ID, ME, and VT.
What WET Is (And Why It's So Effective)
Written Exposure Therapy (WET) is a structured trauma treatment that helps you:
process the trauma memory
reduce intrusive thoughts
decrease emotional overwhelm
lower avoidance
calm your nervous system
separate the past from the present
WET is simple, focused, and incredibly powerful — especially for people who want an effective trauma treatment that:
isn’t long-term
doesn’t require detailed recounting outside the writing
doesn’t involve homework between sessions
doesn’t require worksheets or cognitive restructuring
moves quickly
stays grounded in one primary trauma event
If you want a short-term therapy that creates long-term change, WET is an excellent option.
Why WET Works
Trauma memories can stay “stuck” in the brain — not fully processed, still emotionally charged, and easily triggered.
When this happens, the memory doesn’t feel like something that happened.
It feels like something that is still happening inside the body.
WET helps your brain finally process the memory in a:
structured
safe
predictable
supported
way.
Through repeated writing sessions, your nervous system gradually shifts from:
“I’m in danger” → “It’s over. I survived. I’m safe now.”
The emotional intensity decreases.
The memory becomes clearer, calmer, and less distressing.
Triggers lose their power.
And your mind and body finally relax.
How WET Works
WET is one of the simplest trauma therapies — and one of the most researched and effective.
Here’s the structure:
Session 1 — Preparation & Psychoeducation
We talk about how trauma affects the brain, what to expect, and how the writing process works.
You learn grounding tools and nervous system strategies designed for support and safety.
Sessions 2–5 — Guided Trauma Writing
You write about the trauma for 30 minutes while I remain present, grounded, and guiding the session.
This is not journaling.
This is structured exposure that reduces emotional distress.
Each writing session builds on the last, helping your brain complete the processing it was unable to do at the time of the trauma.
Each Session Ends With a Brief Debrief
We discuss your emotional state, what came up, and how your nervous system responded.
You leave with grounding, clarity, and stability.
What WET Feels Like in Session
Clients often describe WET as:
intense but relieving
emotional but empowering
heavy but clear
challenging but freeing
You are in control at every step.
There is no pressure to share details out loud.
No deep verbal retelling unless you choose.
The writing does the work — and you are supported the entire time.
WET is ideal if you’re someone who:
feels safer writing than speaking
struggles with saying things out loud
shuts down when trying to verbally explain trauma
prefers structure and clarity
wants a short-term, effective treatment
needs something proven and time-efficient
What WET Helps With
WET is highly effective for:
PTSD
sexual assault trauma
childhood trauma
military trauma
police and first responder trauma
medical trauma
accidents
grief and loss
intrusive memories
nightmares
avoidance
hypervigilance
emotional numbing
shutdown or freeze responses
WET works especially well for people who feel stuck in trauma symptoms but don’t want a long-term therapy process.
WET vs EMDR vs CPT vs PE
Here’s the simplest breakdown:
WET
→ Processes the trauma through structured writing
→ Very time-efficient (5 sessions)
→ Minimal talking required
→ Ideal for single-incident trauma or highly focused work
EMDR
→ Processes the trauma using bilateral stimulation
→ Great for emotional charge, body memories, and complex trauma
PE
→ Retrains the fear response
→ Reduces avoidance and hyperarousal
CPT
→ Addresses trauma-related beliefs
→ Great for shame, guilt, self-blame, and identity shifts
WET INTENSIVES
-
Virtual WET Intensive
Flexible scheduling
Reduced downtime
Perfect for professionalsIdeal for trauma that needs safety, stillness, and support
-
Waterfront WET Intensive
Deep processing + regulated environment near the water
Quiet surroundings
Ideal for trauma that needs safety, stillness, and support -
All intensives include:
a structured 5-session WET protocol
grounding and nervous system support
personalized session preparation
follow-up recommendations
integration strategies
FAQs
Do I have to read my writing out loud?
No.
You can share only what you want.
The healing happens in the writing itself.
Is WET emotionally intense?
Yes — but in a controlled, predictable, supportive way.
Most clients feel relief, not overwhelm.
How fast does WET work?
Many clients experience significant improvement after just a few sessions.
Can WET work for complex trauma?
Yes — but sometimes EMDR or CPT may be used alongside or afterward.
Is WET safe?
Yes — when guided by a trauma specialist.
Safety and stabilization come first.
Is the writing guided?
Yes.
You’ll never be left alone in the process.
Do I have to do homework?
No.
WET does not require assignments outside session time.
Is WET Right for You?
WET is a strong fit if you:
feel stuck in trauma symptoms
want a highly effective short-term treatment
feel safer writing than speaking
want a structured approach
want results quickly
struggle with avoidance, shame, or fear
carry intrusive memories you can’t shake
want a focused trauma-specific treatment
If trauma has been controlling your body, your emotions, or your daily life — WET can help you process it, safely and powerfully.
If you’re ready to process trauma clearly, safely, and effectively, WET can help.
WET therapy and WET intensives available for adults in:
California, Texas, Florida, South Carolina, Utah, Idaho, Maine, and Vermont.