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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Updated:

Jul 8, 2023

Reviewed by:

Ben Pearson, LCSW

"Cognitive Processing Therapy is an evidence-based treatment that helps individuals recover from the impact of traumatic events by addressing maladaptive thoughts and beliefs associated with the trauma." - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Overview

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to help heal from trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CPT helps identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs related to a traumatic event in order to promote healing and improve well-being.

Process

How Does Cognitive Processing Therapy Work?


  • Psychoeducation: The therapist provides information about trauma and its impact on thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The client learns about common reactions to trauma and the connection between thoughts and feelings.


  • Identification of Thoughts: The client learns to identify and recognize specific thoughts and beliefs related to the traumatic event. This may involve keeping a thought record or journal.


  • Challenging Thoughts: The client works with the therapist to examine and evaluate the accuracy and helpfulness of the identified thoughts and beliefs. Alternative, more adaptive thoughts are developed.


  • Behavioral Techniques: The client may engage in specific behavioral techniques, such as gradual exposure or relaxation exercises, to address avoidance or hyperarousal symptoms associated with the trauma.



  • Cognitive Restructuring: The client actively challenges and replaces maladaptive thoughts with more accurate and helpful ones. This process helps to reduce distress and promote healing.



  • Homework and Practice: The client is often assigned between-session tasks to practice the skills learned in therapy and apply them to real-life situations.



  • Ongoing Evaluation: Progress is continuously monitored, and adjustments are made to the treatment plan as needed.


process

Benefits

 Physical Benefits

  • Reduced physiological arousal and symptoms of hyperarousal

  • Improved sleep quality and patterns

  • Decreased physical tension and muscle pain associated with trauma-related stress