Prolonged Exposure Therapy is different from talk therapy. There is evidence that it actually creates permanent changes the brain.

This link is a pretty good general overview:
Prolonged Exposure Therapy - PTSD: National Center for PTSD

PET involves talk therapy, you have to discuss your feelings and experiences while undergoing the harder parts of the therapy. You definitely need a therapist that can work with you on Distress Tolerance skills. It is very hard to go through, but it is safe to do with a good therapist.