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

Sol Therapy is a 100% teletherapy practice offering video and phone sessions. I believe therapy should be accessible to EVERYONE. Therefore, I offer a “Pay What You Can” Scale. After the initial consultation call, if it’s deemed that we are a good fit and you are committed to coming to therapy and working on your goals, then we will work together to find an option that works for you!
I strive to use a method that will work best for you and your situation. I believe that developing mutual trust is an important element in the success of your work together. I believe that people do not exist in isolation, and our feelings and behavior are strongly influenced by our interactions with others and our environment.

Lauren Wynn

Colorado Springs

Colorado

Creative Mind Psychotherapy is a small private practice offering telehealth services for individuals and couples in Colorado, Maryland, and Virginia. We practice the Art and Science of Therapy by applying evidence-based practices in creative ways to tailor treatment to each unique client.
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...