Cognitive Processing Therapy, or CPT is a short-term, problem focused form of behavioral treatment that helps people learn how to modify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to trauma. CPT is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that has been effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD that have developed after experiencing a variety of traumatic events.
CPT can help with trauma from:
- Child abuse
- Combat
- Rape
- Natural disasters
- Death of a loved one
- Domestic Violence
- Some of the symptoms of PTSD include:
- Re- experiencing the trauma through intrusive distressing recollections of the event
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Emotional numbness
- Avoidance of places, people, activities that are reminders of the trauma
- Increased arousal such as difficulty sleeping and concentrating, feeling jumpy
- Easily irritated and angered
What to expect from CPT:
CPT is a short-term therapy consisting of 12 sessions.
Session 1: Education phase
Session 2: The meaning of the event
Session 3: Identification of thoughts and feelings
Session 4: Remembering the traumatic event
Session 5: Second trauma account
Session 6: Challenging Questions
Session 7: Patters of problematic thinking
Session 8: Safety issues
Session 9: Trust issues
Session 10: Power/ Control Issues
Session 11: Esteem issues
Session 12: Intimacy issues and meaning of the event
Cognitive processing therapy is much more than sitting and talking about whatever comes to mind during session. CPT sessions are structured to ensure that the therapist and the person in treatment are focused on the different goals of each session, which in turn ensures that each and every session is productive.
If you or someone you know would benefit from CPT, please contact me today. I would be happy to speak with you about how I may be able to help.
I am a CPT Certified professional
