Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

WHAT IS CPT?

Cognitive Processing Therapy, or CPT, is an evidence-based method used to treat post-traumatic stress and the impact of trauma on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Trauma has a major impact on the way you think about and see yourself, other people, and the world. This change in the way you think also impacts the way you feel and behave. With CPT, you learn to identify and understand the ways in which trauma has impacted your thinking. It teaches you effective strategies to challenge your own thoughts and helps you develop a more balanced, helpful way of thinking. This, in turn, helps you to respond effectively to triggering situations, improve your symptoms, and find lasting healing from trauma.

Women psychologists developed this treatment to help women survivors of sexual assault and rape recover and find healing and peace. Today, the treatment is also used to help men and treat all sorts of trauma.

WHAT IS CPT USED FOR?

CPT is used to treat the symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Specifically, CPT identifies negative thought patterns and develops strategies to challenge and replace them with a more balanced way of thinking. You learn to “respond” versus “react” and be more in control of your feelings and behaviors. Here at Thrive, our clinicians use CPT to help women overcome traumas like sexual assault, child abuse, intimate partner violence, and many other forms of trauma.

HOW DOES CPT WORK?

CPT works primarily in two ways: exposure and habituation, and, cognitive restructuring.

CPT provides exposure to the trauma memories and the feelings associated with it, so that survivors can habituate. Habituation occurs when an emotional response gradually decreases with repeated exposure. This is how we overcome all fears. For example, the first time you discuss your trauma with your therapist it will likely be very anxiety-producing, but after doing it repeatedly, it will cause less anxiety.

The other important way that CPT works, is through cognitive restructuring. Cognitions are our thoughts and thinking patterns, and restructuring is what it sounds like – changing your thoughts and thinking patterns.

CPT involves a lot of thinking and writing. At first, your therapist will educate you about how trauma impacts people and help normalize your experiences. Your therapist will guide you in writing the story of your trauma and in particular, writing about the way it has impacted your perspective of yourself, other people, and the world in the areas of safety, power and control, trust, esteem, and intimacy. CPT focuses on these areas because these are what trauma tends to impact. After this writing exercise, you and your therapist will look for “stuck points,” which are thoughts that get you stuck, either stuck in feeling bad, stuck in behaviors you want to get away from, or stuck in ruminating.

Your therapist will teach you several effective strategies to overcome and change these stuck points so that your thinking becomes more balanced and more conducive to feeling and behaving the way you want.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CPT?

CPT has been shown to be effective in treating post-traumatic stress regardless of the type of trauma or number of traumas.

It’s effective in reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms like hypervigilance (being on guard), anxiety, depression, irritability, poor sleep, nightmares, and intrusive, upsetting memories of the trauma. It’s particularly helpful when survivors find themselves ruminating and struggling with the “woulda, coulda, shouldas” like “If only I had done X, maybe the trauma wouldn’t have happened.” It also reduces the guilt, shame, and self-blame that often accompany trauma. Unlike some other trauma treatments that require a complete memory of the trauma, CPT is effective even if there are parts of the memory missing due to dissociation, head injury, or intoxication.

With time and practice, the skills you will learn in CPT will help you feel safer, more trusting, more in control of your emotions, more comfortable with vulnerability and intimacy. It will give you a more positive view of yourself, others, and life in general. This will then help you be able to do the things you want to do. For example, if you feel more trusting and connected to your own power, something like dating will become much easier and more pleasant.

If you'd like to learn more about CPT and how it might help you on your healing journey, schedule a free consultation with a Thrive therapist today.

woman taking therapy online in front of her computer

CPT ONLINE

  • Online CPT brings the therapeutic process to the comfort of your own space. While the core principles of CPT remain consistent, the online format allows for flexibility and convenience. Engage in meaningful sessions without the need for travel, making therapy more accessible for individuals with various schedules and locations.

  • During an online CPT session, you'll connect with our experienced therapists through a secure virtual platform. The sessions are conducted much like in-person appointments, with discussions, exercises, and support tailored to your unique needs. Our therapists are committed to creating a safe and confidential space, fostering a connection that transcends the digital medium.

  • Research indicates that online CPT can be as effective as in-person sessions. The flexibility and convenience of virtual therapy make it a valuable option for those seeking trauma-focused care. Our therapists bring the same level of expertise and dedication to online sessions, ensuring that you receive the support needed for healing and recovery.

  • For those in LA, and NYC, we also offer the option of in-person CPT sessions. Whether online or in-person, our goal is to guide you through a transformative journey, providing the support and tools necessary for healing. Explore the option that aligns best with your preferences and needs. Contact us today to begin your path to recovery.

CPT vs CBT: What Is The Difference

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

CPT is specifically designed to address the effects of trauma. It focuses on helping individuals process and understand traumatic events, challenging and modifying unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma, and fostering a healthier cognitive and emotional response.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

woman comforting her patient

CBT, on the other hand, is a broader therapeutic approach that addresses a wide range of mental health concerns. It explores the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, aiming to identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to distress.

Key Differences:

  • Focus: CPT is trauma-focused, while CBT addresses a broad spectrum of mental health challenges.

  • Purpose: CPT aims to process and reframe trauma-related thoughts, while CBT targets negative thoughts and behaviors across various issues.

  • Application: CPT is often used specifically for trauma survivors, while CBT is versatile and applicable to a wide range of conditions.

Meet Thrive’s CPT Specialists

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 CPT THERAPY FAQs

  • CPT therapy is beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma, including survivors of physical or sexual assault, combat veterans, and those who have witnessed traumatic events. It can help individuals struggling with symptoms of PTSD, such as intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and heightened arousal. Our experienced therapists at Thrive Psychology Group are trained to provide CPT to a wide range of individuals seeking support and healing from trauma-related issues.

  • The duration of a CPT therapy program and the length of each session can vary depending on individual needs and treatment goals. On average, a CPT program may consist of 12 sessions, typically conducted on a weekly basis. Each session typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Your therapist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique circumstances.

  • Thrive Psychology Group offers both in-person and online CPT therapy sessions. We understand the importance of flexibility and accessibility in mental health care. Our in-person sessions provide a supportive and confidential environment for those who prefer face-to-face therapy, while our online sessions allow individuals to access our services from the convenience of their own homes. We are committed to meeting your needs and providing effective therapy, whether in-person or online.

  • The choice between CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) depends on individual preferences and needs. Both are evidence-based and effective approaches for trauma, and the suitability may vary from person to person.

  • While CPT is commonly used for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it is not limited to this condition. CPT is also effective for individuals dealing with various forms of trauma and can be adapted to address a range of psychological challenges.

  • CPT may not be suitable for everyone, and factors such as individual differences and preferences play a role. It may be less effective for those who struggle with engagement in traditional talk therapies. Personalized consultations help determine the most suitable therapeutic approach.

  • CPT is considered highly effective for PTSD. Research indicates that it can lead to significant improvements in symptoms, helping individuals process traumatic experiences and develop healthier thought patterns and coping mechanisms.

  • CPT is believed to induce neurobiological changes by promoting adaptive processing of traumatic memories. It encourages the brain to restructure negative thought patterns related to trauma, fostering a more balanced and resilient cognitive response.

  • The cost of CPT can vary based on factors such as the therapist's credentials, location, and session format (in-person or online). It's advisable to discuss fees and payment options directly with our Patient Care Coordinator.