What is Cognitive Processing Therapy?

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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 the owner and lead clinician of CBT Baltimore. We attract motivated and educated clients who are seeking specialized treatment for Anxiety spectrum disorders such as OCD, Panic, and social anxiety. I also have experience working with hair-pulling (Trichotillomania) and skin picking (Excoriation). Having experience working in schools and an adolescent clinic I enjoy working with younger peo...
Over the past 20 years I have been honored to provide hope and healing while witnessing the strength and resilience of a variety of people. Choosing a therapist who walks this very personal journey with you requires careful consideration. While I am a generalist who uses varied approaches to counseling, I specialize in trauma, vicarious/secondary trauma, depression, anger management, anxiety an...

Sandra A Tursini

Mesa

Arizona

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Private Practice, with over 30 years of experience in individual, family, marital, divorce, blended family, child and adolescent counseling, and veteran's issues. During that time, I have developed an understanding of human nature that guides me down the path to best help each individual. I believe that no one gets through life without some adversity an...
I am a believer in the Existential/Humanistic school of thought and the importance of making meaning in our lives. By meeting my clients in the here-and-now, I am able to work with them where they are presently, without going too far ahead of them or getting bogged down in the past. I’m collaborative, creative, and believe in an integrated approach when working with people. No single form of...

Brandi Hobratschk

Houston

Texas

My practice provides therapy services for adults and adolescents seeking help for depression, anxiety, mood issues, relationship difficulties, major life transitions, grief/loss, coping with adolescence/teens, work-life balance and weight loss. I am certified to provide Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma and PTSD. Veterans are welcomed in my office; as are all cultures, religions and sexua...
I am a licensed clinical social worker in ROSEBURG Oregon. I have several years of experience working with all ages, cultural backgrounds and struggles. I am also working on completing my credentials as a substance abuse therapist and sand tray therapist. I am easy going, patient and compassionate. I am willing to work with you through your journey of healing, working with you, getting to know ...
The approach I take to therapy is a collaboration with my clients. You are not alone. Many benefit from the empathetic and nonjudgemental support of a trained professional. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy for those seeking to increase self-awareness, insight into one’s patterns both with ourselves and with others. My private practice is devoted to helping you connect to your...

Jenny R Forbes

San Antonio

Texas

I support individuals and families in learning about, and coping with, mental health and substance abuse diagnoses. I utilize techniques designed to assist individuals in healing and reaching personal goals. I understand the negative impact Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) have on the whole person and I am passionate about providing trauma-informed, person-centered care. I have worked in t...
I know that it's difficult to take that first step in asking for help. Sometimes the first step is recognizing we need support before making that vulnerable call (or sending that email). It's okay if you don't even know what you need, as long as you recognize that what you're doing isn't working anymore. I'm here to help you figure out what you need and put together a plan that feels possible....
Hi there! I'm Dr. Saarah Kison. I am a trauma/PTSD expert, with additional specialty in depression and anxiety. Are you are struggling after a toxic relationship, abuse, assault , witnessing death or any traumatic event? Do you frequently think about the traumatic event, have nightmares or difficulty sleeping? Difficulty trusting, feeling safe or worthy? Feeling intense negative emotions like...
Perception Counseling Services (PCS) strives to provide clients with quality behavioral and mental health counseling where varying perceptions are acknowledged, but challenged to improve client’s personal journey to a healthier future. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the State of Alabama and a Certified Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) provider. I have many years...
I believe that in life we all need support from time to time. Whether one has experienced a traumatic event, the loss of a loved one, or just needs a soft place to land to sort out thoughts and emotions due to life’s stressors, seeking therapy can provide hope, healing and help us gain knowledge and understanding about ourselves. I am a Licensed Mental Heath Counselor who uses a eclectic approa...