Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a cognitive-behavioral therapy for PTSD and related conditions that focuses on thoughts and feelings. CPT typically lasts 12-18 sessions and helps clients better understand why it can be so difficult to recover from traumatic events and how, when recovery does not occur, symptoms negatively affect daily life. The goal is to identify how trauma and PTSD change our thoughts and beliefs, and how these thoughts influence our current feelings and behaviors. An important part of the treatment is addressing ways of thinking that might keep clients “stuck” in the trauma, which gets in the way of overcoming PTSD and other related problems.

As a rostered network provider of CPT through the Strong Star Training Network, I have completed in-depth training in the use of CPT with individuals with PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.

If you want an insider view of CPT, check out this episode of This American Life that follows one sexual assault survivor through her journey to recovery from PTSD.

Another great resource to better understand what it would be like to experience CPT for PTSD and trauma is this video: