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The Meaningful Life Center

  • The Meaningful Life Center
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    • Leadership Team
      • Dr. Stefanie D. Meyer-Goodwin
      • Sandra Maria Johnson
      • Jessica N. Johnson
      • Sarai Denney
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      • Chance Morgan
      • William C. Jarvis
      • Dr. Mimi Zhao
      • Shannon Barna
      • Gaby Rodriguez-Soto
      • Maria Aguiar
      • Katia Arruda
      • Brittany Days
      • Kalie Sumple
      • Tara Melvin Jr.
      • Kelli Velez
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      • Kristin Fitzpatrick
      • Rebeca Herrera
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Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) is an evidenced-based treatment for trauma with over 20 years of research. This model of therapy is considered to be a first line treatment for trauma by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and the American Psychological Association and produces clinically significant improvement in 80% of participants with chronic PTSD. Benefits of this therapy occur after approximately 8-18 weekly sessions. PE is based on cognitive and behavioral theories. When trauma occurs, the brain associates other non-traumatic stimuli present with the trauma. When these stimuli are later encountered after the trauma ends the brain interprets these as dangerous, causing fear and anxiety. Avoiding these stimuli is a common response to trauma, however this avoidance reinforces fear and feelings of incompetence. The goal of PE is to gradually reengage in life after trauma. PE teaches people to gradually and systematically approach trauma related memories, feelings, and situations that are objectively safe. By approaching these, the person increases their ability to distinguish between safe and dangerous stimuli, and learns that trauma related memories and cues are not dangerous and do not need to be avoided.

This is accomplished through two types of exposures: imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure. Imaginal exposure occurs during sessions and involves describing the event in detail with guidance and support from the therapist. In vivo exposures involve gradually confronting avoided situations as homework outside of sessions. The therapist and client identify situations appropriate for exposure and devise a plan to gradually confront those that are objectively and reasonably safe and within a manageable threshold of distress. During this process, the client is empowered to make decisions about which exposures they want to participate in, and the level of exposure they are comfortable with. It is important to note that clients are never asked to engage in activities that are unsafe or traumatic. By engaging in these two forms of exposure, participants increase their confidence, sense of mastery, daily functioning, and ability to cope with courage. PE is a flexible therapy modified to meet the needs of the client. Many of our therapist are trained in PE and would be honored to support you in reentering your life!

Dr. Stefanie D. Meyer-Goodwin (she/they), PhD, LMHC, LMFT, NCC, CCMHC, ACS



407-534-0186 Ext 300
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Sandra Maria Johnson (she/her/hers), MA, LMHC



407-534-0186 Ext 500
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Jessica N. Johnson (she/her/hers), MS, LMHC, CCTP



407-534-0186 Ext 800
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Chance Morgan (they/them), MSW, LCSW



407-534-0186 Ext 600
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William C. Jarvis (he/him/his), MA, LMHC, NCC



407-584-0186 Ext 400
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Dr. Mimi Zhao (she/her/hers), PhD



407-534-0186 Ext 302
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Shannon Barna (she/her/hers), MFT



407-534-0186 Ext 801
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Gaby Rodriguez-Soto (she/her/hers), MA



407-534-0186 Ext 502
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Maria Aguiar (she/her/hers), MA



407-534-0186 Ext 501
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Katia Arruda (she/her/hers), MS



407-534-0186 Ext 601
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Brittany Days (she/her/hers)



407-534-0186 Ext 401
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Kalie Sumple (she/her/hers)



407-534-0186 Ext 700
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Tara Melvin (she/her/hers)



407-534-0186 Ext 402
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Kelli Velez (she/her/hers)



407-534-0186 Ext 301
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Sarai Denney (she/her/hers)



407-534-0186 Ext 100
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Office Hours

Office Hours
Monday: 9am-8pm
Tuesday: 9am-8pm
Wednesday: 9am-8pm
Thursday: 9am-8pm
Friday: 9am-8pm
Saturday: By Appointment
Sunday: Closed
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Find Our Office

11315 Corporate Blvd
Building 500 Suite 105
Orlando FL 32817

 

Contact Information

Dr. Stefanie D. Meyer-Goodwin (she/they), PhD, LMHC, LMFT, NCC, CCMHC, ACS
407-534-0186 Ext 300
stefanie@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Sandra Maria Johnson (she/her/hers), MA, LMHC
407-534-0186 Ext 500 sandra@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Jessica N. Johnson (she/her/hers), MS, LMHC, CCTP
407-534-0186 Ext 800
jessica@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Chance Morgan (they/them), MSW, LCSW
407-534-0186 Ext 600
chance@themeaningfullifecenter.com

William C. Jarvis (he/him/his), MA, LMHC, NCC
407-584-0186 Ext 400
william@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Dr. Mimi Zhao (she/her/hers), PhD
407-534-0186 Ext 302
mimi@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Shannon Barna (she/her/hers), MFT
407-534-0186 Ext 801
shannon@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Gaby Rodriguez-Soto (she/her/hers)
407-534-0186 Ext 502
gabriela@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Maria Aguiar (she/her/hers)
407-534-0186 Ext 501
maria@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Katia Arruda (she/her/hers)
407-534-0186 Ext 601
katia@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Brittany Days (she/her/hers)
407-534-0186 Ext 401
brittany@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Kalie Sumple (she/her/hers)
407-534-0186 Ext 700
kalie@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Tara Melvin (she/her/hers)
407-534-0186 Ext 402
tara@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Kelli Velez (she/her/hers)
407-534-0186 Ext 301
kelli@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Kristin Fitzpatick (she/her/hers)
407-534-0186 Ext 200
kristin@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Rebeca Herrera (she/her/hers)
407-534-0186 Ext 201
rebeca@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Sarai Denney (she/her/hers)
407-534-0186 Ext 100
sarai@themeaningfullifecenter.com

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