Finished the PE therapy today. It was bitter/sweet. I'm thankful I made it through it, I'm thankful that I had such an awesome facilitator for it, who got me lined up for CPT group before we ended to keep the therapy continuous, she's offered to be there if I need to talk to her (I doubt that will happen but it was a nice gesture)
It's such a big difference going from PE to CPT. I have to go to the VA for CPT, PE wants you to discuss the trauma in every little detail, and CPT not in detail at all. CPT seems to be set up for more of the military trauma, mine is non military. Plus I'm the only female in the group and I hope that will not discourage the men from talking.
I would do PE again if I had to, but that's because I understand it now. I realize why so many people think it's cruel to go through the trauma(s) in detail and have to listen to them but it does actually help.
I would recommend it to anyone going through PTSD but only if you are truly committed to feeling better and ready to go through some hard stuff to feel better. It's not easy nor would it be a good thing for people that are on the fence about the work you have to put into therapy. You have to be committed and focused to get through this. It's not for everyone.