Cognitive Processing Therapy
✿ A SPACE TO UNDERSTAND & HEAL
Cognitive Processing Therapy
You can't change what happened, but you can change how you carry it.
Trauma can shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. Sometimes, the beliefs we develop after difficult experiences can leave us feeling stuck.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD that helps you explore those beliefs and begin seeing your experiences in a more balanced way.
When trauma changes the way we see things
Sometimes the hardest part isn't just what happened. It's what we come to believe about ourselves afterward.
✿ What are stuck points?
After trauma, our minds naturally try to make sense of what happened. Sometimes, the conclusions we reach can leave us feeling stuck.
In CPT, we call these beliefs stuck points.
"It was my fault."
"I should have known better."
"I can't trust anyone."
"I'll never feel safe again."
These beliefs can shape how you see yourself, navigate relationships, and respond to the world.
Together, we'll explore where these beliefs came from and whether they tell the whole story.
What does the process look like?
CPT is structured, but our work is still collaborative.
Understand
We'll begin by learning how trauma affects your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. You'll also explore how your experiences have shaped the way you see yourself and the world.
Recognize
We'll identify stuck points and begin noticing connections between your thoughts and feelings.
Explore
Through guided questions and exercises, you'll learn to examine beliefs with curiosity and consider perspectives that more accurately reflect your experiences.
Practice
You'll have exercises to complete between sessions to help you practice the skills we're developing together and apply them to everyday life.
Five areas we'll explore
Trauma can affect more than our memories. It can influence how we feel about ourselves and how we connect with others.
✿ What about between sessions?
An important part of CPT happens outside our appointments.
You'll have practice assignments, which may include writing exercises or worksheets to help you recognize and examine your thoughts in everyday situations.
These exercises help you build confidence using the skills you're learning in therapy.
A little reminder: CPT isn't about forcing yourself to think positively or pretending that what happened wasn't painful. It's about understanding your experiences without continuing to carry beliefs that may be contributing to your distress.
A LITTLE MORE CLARITY
Questions you might have
It's okay to have questions before starting.
Will I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
Not necessarily. CPT focuses on how trauma has affected your thoughts and beliefs. You don't have to share every detail of what happened, although we will explore some difficult experiences and emotions.
How long does CPT take?
CPT typically involves about 12 sessions, often scheduled weekly. The length of treatment can vary depending on your needs and progress.
What if I'm not sure CPT is right for me?
That's okay! We can talk about your concerns, explore your goals, and decide together whether CPT might be a good fit.
Is CPT just positive thinking?
Not at all. CPT isn't about pretending everything is okay. It's about examining beliefs connected to trauma and developing a more balanced understanding of your experiences.
References & Further Reading
The resources behind this approach.
Resick, P. A., Monson, C. M., & Chard, K. M. (2024). Cognitive processing therapy for PTSD: A comprehensive therapist manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
View publisher's page ↗U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for PTSD.
Learn more about CPT ↗