Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a short-term, in-depth type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that focuses specifically on negative thoughts people have about themselves and the world due to trauma they experienced. CPT was developed specifically for people diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is a highly structured approach to therapy.
Each CPT session has a specific activity or goal in mind, designed to be implemented in one-hour sessions. First, your CPT therapist will talk with you about key concepts, including the effects of trauma and PTSD on mental health. After this, your CPT therapist will go through negative thoughts and how what’s referred to as your “stuck points” can make healing from trauma difficult. The next stages include recounting the details of the trauma you experienced, which CPT practitioners say is key to identifying related problematic thoughts about the self or the world that developed from the trauma.
Identifying stuck points is critical to the healing process. These unhelpful beliefs can contain untrue information, such as “I am a bad person and deserved for my trauma to happen to me.” Your therapist will work with you to challenge these thoughts. Challenging these stuck points can help you regain a sense of power and control over your thoughts, which can lessen trauma symptoms.
Learning positive coping skills is the final step in Cognitive Processing, where you and your therapist work together to establish activities that help you deal with trauma symptoms in ways that enhance your life and move toward your healing goals.
Therapists Who Specialize in Using Cognitive Processing Therapy
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I received a B.S. in Liberal Arts and and M.S. in Criminal Justice from Excelsior University and an M.A. in Social Work from the University of Chicago. I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers. For the past several years, my practice has focused at the intersection of trauma, addiction, and men...
Night Owl Psychotherapy is a California-based online practice specializing in therapy for women with ADHD, as well as adults facing anxiety, trauma, and OCD. I'm a licensed psychologist and ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider with personal ADHD experience.
I often use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in my practice. I assist clients in exploring the ways in which they may be stuck in a way of living that is unhelpful and unfulfilling. I help clients tap into their values, reduce avoidance patterns, and compassionately express their thoughts, emotions, and needs in hopes to achieve a more flexible, values-based, and wholesome way of living.
It is common for us to experience life challenges and to seek assistance navigating these transitions. My goal as a therapist is to understand your worldview, empower and support you. However, in working together, it is important that you appreciate that we are in a collaborative relationship and that you are the expert. The space that is created in the therapy room of mutual presence is one of…
Tired of feeling like the path that you are on is going nowhere or has led you to a place that you are not satisfied with? Do you want to make a change in your life, but you feel too paralyzed to do so out of fear of failure, rejection or isolation? Do you ever feel so hopeless that you feel you are just stuck and think things will never get any better or that you are destined to be like this…
***I am not currently accepting new patients*** I am a licensed psychologist, with an emphasis on treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. I completed a clinical internship within the VA hospital system and a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School. I approach therapy from a relational stance with a focus on helping you gain insight into your relationship patterns and…
I first and foremost come from a south asian background. Growing up, I had difficulties navigating my parents well-intentioned parenting styles which led me to becoming someone who did not know how to process emotions, communicate my needs, and accept myself for who I am. Through my own therapy I have overcome many struggles I presently observe in the South Asian community. I have to come reali...
I provide child and adult traumatic experiences, interpersonal issues, anxiety depression, grief & loss, DOT Qualified SAP Counseling services and employment issues.
