Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a CBT-based therapy specifically designed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  It is supported by research as an effective way to treat PTSD and other stress responses to a traumatic event that does not improve on its own with time.  It is typically delivered in 12-15 sessions focused on a specific traumatic event and its impact on your daily life. 

Traumatic experiences can change our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world around us.  CPT focuses on identifying and understanding these unhelpful beliefs and automatic thoughts that keep us stuck, as well as their relationship with our emotions and responses.  Then, the client learns a process for shifting our beliefs to a more realistic or helpful place.  Therapists may focus particularly on beliefs about our safety, sense of control, trust, intimacy, and esteem that have been shaped by a traumatic experience.

Clients participating in CPT are asked to complete between session practices with identifying and applying cognitive skills to their thinking and ultimately learn to be their “own therapist” when they have completed CPT.  Clients are also assessed for changes in their post-traumatic symptoms throughout the therapeutic process to help inform the process and progress. 

CBT Denver therapists are experts in CPT. For more information, please contact us.