Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a cognitive-behavioural treatment, in that it focuses on the connections between thoughts, feelings, behaviour and bodily sensations.
when it is used
It has been found to be effective for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which can develop when an individual experiences a traumatic event such as physical and sexual abuse or assault, accidents, threats, military combat, or being a witness to violence or death.
goals of treatment
Improve understanding of PTSD
Reduce distress about memories of the trauma
Decrease emotional numbing (i.e., difficulty feeling feelings) and avoidance of trauma reminders
Reduce feelings of being tense or “on edge"
Decrease depression, anxiety, guilt or shame
Improve day-to-day living
what to expect
A full course of CPT typically involves 12 weekly sessions, each about 60 to 90 minutes long, though this can vary slightly depending on the client’s specific needs.
You will learn a set of strategies to challenge and modify thoughts that are inaccurate and/or unhelpful and will practice these strategies with the therapist and on their own with worksheets and exercises.
CPT can be cognitively or emotionally intense, especially when writing or talking about the experience itself. Feeling discomfort during CPT is normal, though many report that any discomfort is brief and outweighed by the benefits gained from completing the full course of treatment.