Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a treatment for PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. It is a short-term, weekly approach. We will look at the impact that trauma has had on your life, and examine and change unhelpful thoughts and feelings related to the event, yourself, others, and the world. We will address the ways of thinking that have kept you “stuck” and hindered your healing.
Goals of Cognitive Processing Therapy
Improve your understanding of trauma
Examine the impact of the trauma on thoughts and feelings
Decrease avoidance and emotional numbing
Reflect
Redefine
Learn skills to evaluate thinking
Consider alternative viewpoints of the trauma, oneself, and the world
Reduce your level of distress related to your memories of the trauma
Reduce feelings of anxiety, anger, guilt, and shame
Improve day-to-day living
Recover
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or ask in our free, 20-minute consultation.
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We will meet for approximately 12 weekly sessions after completing our intake appointment.
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Structured therapy sessions
Take-home practice assignments to apply your learning
Writing about the impact of traumatic experience(s)
Learn skills to help evaluate beliefs and conisder alternatives
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Yes! We will first focus on the traumatic experience that is bothering you the most. Then, we can shift to focus on other trauma as needed.
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CPT was originally developed to treat PTSD, and research demonstrates its effectiveness in achieving this. Individuals with a history of trauma that impacts their current mental health will also benefit from a CPT approach; a PTSD diagnosis is not necessary.