What is Cognitive Processing Therapy?
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy typically used in the treatment of PTSD and related symptoms, including anxiety and depression. It is also used effectively in the treatment of eating disorders.
If you have experienced trauma in your life, those experiences may have caused challenging and negative beliefs about yourself. These negative thoughts can have a strong impact on how you feel and behave.
​
CPT is typically a 12-week process, in which you work closely with your therapist to identify the ways that the trauma affected the way that you think. Gettnig curious about how we learned these belief systems gives us the power to change those thoughts. While we cannot changed the things that have happened to you, the trauma does not have to control how you think.
​
CPT will help you to identify, challenge and change those belief systems. The result? The ability to think positively and change your maladaptive behaviors.
CPT is helpful for
-
PTSD
-
Flashbacks
-
Constant Negative Thoughts
-
Eating Disorders
-
Poor Body Image
-
Anxiety
-
History of trauma
-
Other symptoms related to a history of traumatic experiences and memories
How does CPT work?
Cognitive Processing Therapy is based on the principles of Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Our therapists will help you identify the traumatic events that have caused you to have negative thoughts. Some of these thoughts may include, but are not limited to:
​
-
"I'm not safe"
-
"I did something wrong"
-
"I'm not in control of my own life"
-
"I'm broken"
-
"No one will ever understand how I feel"
-
Etc.
​
By processing the traumas related to your negative thoughts, you will finally be able to overcome feelings of anxiety and depression and take charge of your own life again.
​
Sessions are recommended weekly. Clients can expect treatment to last an average of 12 weeks. Treatment includes homework and exercises that are completed in between sessions.
How effective is CPT?
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidenced based, effective psychotherapy in the treatment of PTSD and related issues, including eating disorders. Since there is homework and exercises to be completed in between sessions, efficacy is highly dependent on the client's level of engagement and compliance for this homework.
​
Other evidence based treatments that we offer for PTSD include Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
