What is CPT? 

 

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a highly effective, short-term therapy for people experiencing PTSD and related issues. CPT looks at the impact trauma has had on your life and helps you examine and change any unhelpful thoughts and feelings related to the event, yourself, and the world. The treatment focuses on addressing the ways of thinking that might be keeping you “stuck” and preventing you from recovering from your PTSD-related symptoms. 

 

A lot of research has shown that CPT is effective in treating PTSD across a variety of populations and types of traumas. CPT is effective whether you have experienced a single traumatic event, many traumatic events, or prolonged abuse. CPT has worked well for people who have experienced combat, rape, sexual assault, childhood trauma, violence, natural disasters, and other types of traumas. 

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CPT is a well-respected and widely used treatment for PTSD. Many national and international organizations recognize CPT as a highly effective form of therapy. These organizations include the American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. 

 

How can CPT help me? 

 

CPT aims to help you 

• Improve your understanding of PTSD

• Examine the impact trauma has had on your thoughts and feelings

• Decrease avoidance and emotional numbing

• Learn skills to evaluate patterns of thinking that might keep you “stuck” 

• Consider alternative viewpoints about the trauma, yourself, and the world

• Reduce distressing feelings related to your memories of the trauma

• Reduce feelings of anxiety, anger, guilt, and shame

• Improve your day-to-day life 

 

Many people who complete CPT therapy also report additional benefits, such as improved mood, increased engagement in enjoyable activities, and a better quality of life. 

 

What can I expect during CPT treatment? 

 

You will meet with your therapist for approximately 12 sessions. Most commonly, these sessions will take place once or twice a week, but some clients opt for a CPT intensive consisting of 10 sessions over 2 weeks. Regardless of the format you choose, here is what you can expect during the course of therapy: 
 

• You will learn to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts 

• You will be asked to write about the impact trauma has had on you 

• You may choose to write the story of your traumatic experience(s), but this is absolutely not required

• You will be asked to complete take-home practice assignments to apply what you are learning in therapy sessions 

• You will learn skills to help you evaluate the evidence for your beliefs and consider alternative conclusions 

 

Part of CPT treatment involves discussing the effects trauma has had on you and your thoughts and beliefs about why the trauma occurred. These are things you may have been trying to avoid for a long time. While it may be uncomfortable to focus on the thoughts and feelings related to your trauma, this discomfort is usually short-lived and dissipates as you continue in CPT. When you stop avoiding the trauma memory, you create an opportunity for healing and positive change. Many clients are relieved to learn that you will not be required to discuss your traumatic experiences in detail during CPT treatment, though you do have the option to write the story of your traumatic event(s) only if you choose. 

 

What if I have multiple traumas or “complex” trauma? 

 

CPT is very effective for people who have experienced multiple traumas. Therapy will start by focusing on the traumatic experience that bothers you the most and then the focus can shift to other traumas as needed. The length of treatment doesn’t vary based on the number of traumatic experiences you have had. 

 

What if my trauma occurred a really long time ago? 

 

CPT is effective whether your trauma occurred recently or decades ago. 

 

Can I do CPT if I have PTSD and a substance use disorder? 

 

PTSD and substance use are often closely connected. Treating your PTSD could be a helpful step in your substance use treatment, even if you are early in your recovery. Please let me know about any substance use concerns you have so we can decide together whether CPT is a good treatment option for you.

 

For whom does CPT work best? 

 

CPT works well for a wide range of people. People who are motivated to get better and willing to put a lot of work into CPT will get the most out of therapy. Because I offer multiple effective treatments for PTSD, we can work together to find the therapy that is right for you.  

 

How long does CPT treatment last? 

 

CPT typically takes place over 12 sessions, and each session is 50-minutes long. Some clients require a couple of additional sessions, and a few clients will complete treatment in just 10 sessions. I offer clients three options for completing CPT therapy: 

 

• Once-a-week sessions 

• Twice-a-week sessions 

• 2-Week Intensive Trauma Treatment, which consists of 10 sessions over 2 weeks 

 

CPT is also effective in a group format, and we hope to offer a CPT group in the near future. 

 

Can I do CPT therapy online?

 

Yes! Years of research show CPT is effective whether it is delivered in person or through online telehealth sessions. 

 

Will I have to do homework? 

 

Yes, but unlike high school, there are no right or wrong answers and certainly no grades. Doing some work outside of session (about 15 minutes or so per day) is an essential component of CPT because this homework helps you get better. CPT homework assignments consist of completing worksheets to challenge the unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that prolong your PTSD symptoms. Homework can be handwritten, typed, or even done on a secure app from your phone or tablet. 

 

Will I be able to handle CPT?  

 

Many people who come to CPT therapy with this very same concern successfully complete treatment and see significant improvements. CPT cannot change what happened to you, but it can help you change how you feel about it so that it isn’t so frightening and overwhelming. The idea of focusing on the thoughts and feelings related to your trauma may seem scary right now, but these feelings are usually brief and improve with treatment. I invite you to talk to me about any questions, fears, or concerns you may have about PTSD treatment.

 

Are you ready to get unstuck and heal from the past?  

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