MIND BODY SOULUTIONS
AN INDEPENDENT COUNSELING GROUP
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Trauma Treatment That Works
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is evidenced based treatment that helps people heal from trauma. It focuses on how trauma can change the way we think about ourselves, others, and the world.
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In CPT, you’ll learn to identify and challenge “stuck points”; unhelpful thoughts that keep you feeling guilty, unsafe, or powerless. The goal is to see the event and yourself in a more balanced way so you can move forward.
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Therapy usually lasts about 7-12 sessions with guided discussions and short practice exercises between sessions.
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Our clinicians and interns have engaged in training and consultation in CPT with the co-founder, Kate Chard PhD and support graduate training of MSW students CPT certification.
Goals of CPT
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Improve understanding of PTSD
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Reduce distress about memories of the trauma
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Decrease emotional numbing (i.e., difficulty feeling feelings) and avoidance of trauma reminders
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Reduce feelings of being tense or “on edge”
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Decrease depression, anxiety, guilt or shame
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Improve day-to-day living
What Happens in CPT?
CPT lasts for 12 therapy sessions (50 minutes each) during which individuals will:
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Get information on common reactions to trauma
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Identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts with structured therapy sessions
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Complete regular out-of-session practice assignments to apply what has been discussed in therapy sessions
Topics Covered During CPT
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The meaning of the traumatic event(s)
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Identification of thoughts and feelings
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Trust issues
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Safety issues
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Issues of power and control
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Esteem issues
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Intimacy issues