Written Exposure Therapy (WET) for PTSD
Living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can feel overwhelming. Memories of trauma may return when you least expect them. Over time, avoidance can make life feel smaller over time. The good news is, there are effective treatments that can help. One option you may not have heard of is Written Exposure Therapy or WET.
Below, we’ll explore what WET is, how it works, and whether it may be a good fit for you.
What is WET for PTSD?
Written Exposure Therapy (WET) is a short-term, structured treatment for PTSD. Instead of long sessions of talking about trauma, WET uses writing exercises to help you process painful memories.
This therapy usually lasts about five sessions, each 30–40 minutes long. During sessions, you write about your trauma in detail, guided by a therapist. The goal is to reduce the distress connected to those memories and help you feel more in control of your life.
If you’d like to learn more about PTSD itself, visit our page on trauma and PTSD treatment in Ontario.
WET (Source: Carepatron)
How Does WET Work?
WET is based on the same principles as other evidence-based PTSD treatments like Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). It focuses on reducing avoidance and allowing the brain to process trauma in a healthier way.
Here’s what usually happens in WET:
Psychoeducation. Your therapist explains how PTSD works and why avoidance keeps symptoms going.
Writing assignments. You spend time in session writing about your trauma memory with as much detail as possible.
Processing. Over time, writing about your trauma helps reduce its intensity and emotional power.
Therapist support. The therapist does not analyze your writing, but they provide structure and encouragement as you go through the process.
For a deeper look at trauma therapy in healthcare settings, see our blog on PTSD in nurses.
What Evidence Supports WET?
Research shows WET is very effective for treating PTSD. In many clinical trials, WET has been found to:
Reduce PTSD symptoms as effectively as longer treatments like CPT (Sloan et al., 2018).
Work for people who prefer shorter, less intensive therapy.
Maintain gains over time, meaning improvements last after treatment ends.
Because it’s brief, WET can also be more accessible and less overwhelming for people hesitant to start trauma therapy.
What Are the Benefits of WET?
Some key benefits of WET include:
Fewer sessions. In most instances, people only need 5 sessions of WET therapy.
Shorter time commitment. Sessions are 30–40 minutes compared to 60–90 minutes in other PTSD treatments.
Focused approach. Keeps the process simple and structured.
Effective results. Shown to reduce PTSD symptoms.
Accessible. May work well for people who feel overwhelmed by the idea of longer trauma-focused therapy.
Is WET Right for You?
WET may be a good choice if you:
Feel hesitant about longer or more intense trauma treatments.
Prefer writing over talking in detail about your trauma.
Want a shorter, structured treatment with strong research support.
That said, WET may not be the best fit if you have complex PTSD. In these cases, CPT or PE may be more helpful.
If you’re unsure, a therapist can help you decide which treatment fits best with your needs and goals.
FAQ About WET for PTSD
Is WET evidence-based?
Yes. Research shows WET is effective in reducing PTSD symptoms. It works as well as longer treatments like CPT (Sloan et al., 2018).
How long does it take to see results?
Many people notice improvements after only a few sessions. Because treatment is short, benefits can come quickly.
Can WET be done online?
Yes. WET can be done online therapy in Ontario, making it easier to access from home.
Is writing harder than talking?
For some, writing feels safer than speaking. Others may struggle with writing at first but often find it gets easier with support.
Next Steps: Connect with a WET Therapist
If you’re living with PTSD, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Virtual CBT, we offer online therapy in Ontario (Quebec and B.C.), including treatments for PTSD such as WET, CPT, and Prolonged Exposure.
Reaching out is a powerful first step toward healing. Book a consultation today to explore whether WET or another evidence-based treatment is right for you. Our Clinical Directors will match you with a registered trauma expert in Ontario.
Written by Celissa Vipond, a PTSD therapist in Ontario
ReferencesSloan, D. M., Marx, B. P., Lee, D. J., & Resick, P. A. (2018). A brief exposure-based treatment vs. cognitive processing therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized noninferiority clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 75(3), 233–239. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.4249Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). (n.d.). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).Government of Canada. (2022). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
