Why CPT - Cognitive Processing Therapy?

Introduction to Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a type of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) specifically designed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related symptoms.

Developed by Patricia A. Resick in the late 1980s, CPT has been widely recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD arising from various traumatic events.

How Does CPT Work?

CPT helps you to process and reframe negative beliefs related to your traumatic experiences. By first being introduced to psychological concept and then practising awareness, the therapy involves identifying and challenging "stuck points", unhelpful thoughts that block recovery.

By addressing these cognitive distortions, you can reduce the emotional impact of your traumatic experience and improve your overall wellbeing.

Core Principles of CPT

Cognitive Processing Therapy operates on core principles derived from:

Social Cognitive Theories, which focus on how individuals interpret and cope with traumatic events. CPT helps individuals achieve a more helpful view on their experiences, reducing maladaptive emotional responses.

Responses are differentiated as follows:

• Assimilation: Altering new information to fit pre-existing beliefs (e.g., "Bad things happen to me because I deserve it").

• Accommodation: Modifying beliefs to incorporate new information realistically (e.g., "I made a mistake, but I usually make good decisions").

• Over-Accommodation: Excessively changing beliefs to feel safer (e.g., "I can never trust my judgment again").

Emotional Processing Theory (Lang 1977, Foa and Kozak 1986) suggests that PTSD arises from a stable and broadly generalized fear network in memory. Exposure to traumatic memories in a safe environment helps not only to habituate the Fear (reduce emotional reactivity), but also modifying how the trauma-related information is stored, reducing intrusive symptoms and avoidance.

Who can benefit from CPT?

CPT is primarily used to treat PTSD but can also be beneficial for other conditions related to trauma, such as depression and anxiety.

It is effective in both individual and group therapy formats and can be adapted for various populations, from people who experienced war to victims of domestic abuse.

What to Expect in Your First CPT Sessions

Your journey begins with an assessment session to determine if CPT is right for you. The initial session of CPT focuses on building therapeutic rapport between the two of us, you will be introduced to the concept of PTSD and CPT process, we may briefly review your trauma and you will be introduced to identifying “stuck points” and how they affect your emotions and behaviours.

What Happens During CPT Sessions

In the following sessions we will go through a series of structured activities designed to help you process and reframe the meaning of your traumatic experience/s.

Sessions are typically conducted once or twice weekly, and are of 50 up to 90 minutes.

We will be discussing the impact statement, which details how the traumatic event has affected your beliefs about yourself, others, and the world. This exercise helps establish a baseline understanding of how the trauma has influenced you and assists in identifying "stuck points", thoughts that are blocking your recovery.  

Next, in some cases, we may be discussing how to write an account of your traumatic experience and how to review it. This process is designed to help enabling emotional processing.  When this is too overwhelming, there's an alternative approach (CPT-C) that relies on dialogue rather than written accounts.

We will then focus on reinforcing cognitive skills, this phase specifically addresses five key areas often impacted by trauma: sense of safety, trust, control, esteem, and intimacy. We will review how this area had been impacted (if needed) while we continue focusing on your current functioning and quality of life, promoting long-term resilience.

Pros and Cons of CPT

CPT is supported by extensive research demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms. CPT provides a clear framework for both therapists and patient but is adaptive, can be tailored to individual needs and delivered in various formats (e.g., individual, group).

Considering cons, the process of confronting trauma-related thoughts can be emotionally challenging . In CPT there is a need for commitment in sessions and out of sessions to complete tasks agreed.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post!

Please share your feedback or ask any questions you might have about Cognitive Processing Therapy in the comments below, I'd love to hear from you.

Ready to narrate your journey to an inner state of safety and trust ?

CPT offers a structured yet adaptable approach to processing trauma and enhancing mental health. If you're ready to take the next step towards understanding and overcoming the impact of traumatic experiences, reach out today to learn more or schedule a session for an holistic approach including CPT.

Let's navigate this journey together.