Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically designed to help people recover from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions.  It helps you identify, examine, challenge, and modify thoughts that keep you stuck experiencing symptoms of PTSD. It focuses on how a person thinks about their trauma and helps them reframe distressing thoughts and beliefs.

How CPT Works:

Understanding PTSD and Its Effects
You learn about PTSD and how trauma can affect your thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

Identifying Stuck Points
These are negative, unhelpful beliefs developed after trauma—such as “I can’t trust anyone” or “It was my fault.” You work with a therapist to recognize them.

Challenging and Modifying Beliefs
Through writing and discussion, you learn to question these beliefs and replace them with more balanced, evidence-based ones.

Learning New Skills
CPT helps you develop tools to evaluate your thoughts critically and manage distress in a healthier way.

How It Can Help You:

• Reduce PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.

• Improve mood by shifting negative thought patterns tied to the trauma.

• Increase daily functioning, including relationships, work, and personal goals.

• Empower you to feel more in control of your life and emotions.

• Break the cycle of guilt, shame, or blame that often follows trauma.

CPT typically takes about 12 sessions and is structured, focused, and goal-oriented. CPT teaches you skills that you can continue to use and benefit from once therapy is over. Talk with your therapist to see if CPT could be helpful for you!