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
If you are experiencing an increase in anxiety, depression, or substance abuse during these uncertain times you are not alone. Both as a clinician and as a human being, I can relate and I can tell you that therapy is an effective path to a healthier and more meaningful life. I earned my doctorate from the University of Denver in 2010 and have enjoyed working with both civilians and veterans to...
Having worked with a broad spectrum of children, adolescents, adult individuals and families in a variety of clinical and non-profit settings, Michael has a passion for helping others establish more meaningful and emotionally healthy lives. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Michael’s areas of expertise are the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders, PTSD, stress, major life transitio...
I work with many clients from many different backgrounds and cultures. My priority and number one goal is to enhance their lives and over all psychological functioning and wellbeing. I am not here to fix you, as you are not broken. My main goal is to help every single client to actualize and become the best version of themselves. I approach each client as an individual, with respect, dignity, a...
I work with primarily adults in individual therapy struggling with mental health concerns and/or substance use; however, I also do group therapy and couples counseling. The clients that I currently work with have a wide range of mental health concerns, which can include complex trauma histories and grief and loss. My work with my clients is built around my theoretical basis for my therapy style...
If you are reading this, just know that you have taken an important first step in your mental health recovery. It has been my privilege to work with a very diverse group of clients of varying races, ethnicities, nationalities, genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, disabilities, etc. I have also worked with clients of all ages, but most of my work has been with those age...
I have a passion for working with clients struggling with issues that prevent them from doing things they value, reaching goals, or sustaining satisfying relationships. Together we explore ways to work through hard emotions, painful memories and unhelpful thought patterns. I enjoy helping clients manage everyday challenges and build skills to handle whatever life hands us. I work with a variety...
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with training and expertise in both Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as psychodynamic treatment. I work with young adults and adults and have expertise treating patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, compulsive and addictive behaviors. I have specialized training in various evidence based treatments for trauma such as Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive...
I am an experienced psychotherapist who uses a strength based approach providing individual, couples and family therapy. I primarily work with men's issues, couples, trauma and addictions utilizing a variety of approaches including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Family Systems, and Mindfulness Meditation. My style is active, reflective and solution focused....
I specialize in working with adults (18+) who are experiencing issues related to substance use, trauma and PTSD, stress management, depression, anxiety, life transitions and grief. Often people seek treatment when they notice that they are living life that is not consistent with their personal values. My mission is to help you find ways to work through some of the struggles you are experiencing...
“You are perfect the way you are and you can always grow and do better” This statement is central to my approach and the kind of space I create for my clients. Life can be challenging, overwhelming, and stressful, but self-acceptance and self-love free us to build the skills we need to cope with relationships, family, work, and life. This journey is not easy. It requires self-reflection,...
* Currently waitlist only and not taking new clients until late 2020/early2021* Dr. James "J.D." McElligott is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in the state of Maine. He specializes in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and in working with the LGBTQA community. J.D. provides individual, group, and family psychotherapy for adolescents, young adults, adults, and geriatric clients wi...
As an an Iraq war veteran with 14 years of military experience I know the challenges that service members, their families, and trauma survivors face on a personal level. I am here to let you know that you will not just survive, but you will overcome your circumstances. I specialize in therapy with veterans, soldiers with PTSD, families, the severely mentally ill, the LGBT community, and victims...
I AM NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. I became a therapist because I find true joy in connecting with others. I believe that therapy can be impactful and enriching while still feeling down-to-earth and accessible. As a social worker I value collaboration, cultural humility, and seeing you as the expert of your own experience. My style is warm and relaxed, but I will also work diligently wit...
DON’T WAIT, NOW IS THE TIME! Sometimes it’s difficult to share your life with others and talk about your struggles; however, talking through hard times can be one of the most empowering first steps you can make toward healing. Whatever your hardship is, help with an ongoing issue or time for a difficult transition, it would be my pleasure to work with you to develop an individualized plan and...
Hi everyone! My name is Benjamin Hill and I'm a Licensed Master Social Worker and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. My goal in therapy is to provide a safe, warm, and inviting space where you are free to truly express yourself and grow into the individual you want to be. I specialize in the areas of anxiety, trauma, and substance use; especially within the LGBTQIA community. Whethe...
