Encourage the person to stick with treatment

During treatment, the therapist may try to help your loved one get in touch with feelings about the trauma. This can be very difficult and there may be a temporary increase in symptoms and distress. Emotional support from family and friends can be especially helpful during this period. Sometimes you can help the person perform the exposure tasks that are part of the therapy (e.g., driving a car after a serious accident, revisiting the street where a mugging occurred). It can be hard for your loved one to stick with treatment, especially when the therapist is asking him to face emotionally frightening and upsetting memories. Your encouragement and support can make a big difference if your loved one is tempted to quit treatment.