Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Everything You Need to Know

Cognitive Processing Therapy is a game changer in trauma treatment. With over 20 clinical trials now and growing, CPT is as big of a revolution as EMDR was in the 1980s. CPT not only helps people recover from acute, development and complex PTSD, but it does so faster and with lower drop-out rates than other treatments. And unlike EMDR, Prolonged Exposure, and Somatic therapies, CPT is the only PTSD treatment that isn’t based on exposure therapy.

What is Cognitive Processing Therapy?

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a type of psychotherapy that is primarily used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related symptoms. It is an evidence-based treatment approach that focuses on helping individuals understand and change the negative thoughts and beliefs they may have following a traumatic event.

CPT is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles and aims to address the way individuals interpret and make sense of their traumatic experiences. It operates on the premise that the thoughts and beliefs individuals develop about themselves, others, and the world after a traumatic event can contribute to their emotional distress and interfere with their ability to recover.

How long does CPT take?

CPT is typically conducted over a specific number of sessions, often ranging from 12 to 16, although the duration can vary based on individual needs. The goal of CPT is to reduce PTSD symptoms, improve overall functioning, and facilitate the individual's ability to integrate the traumatic experience into their life narrative in a way that promotes resilience and growth.

CPT Process

During CPT, individuals work closely with a trained therapist to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs related to the traumatic event. The therapy typically involves the following key components:

1. Education: The therapist provides information about common reactions to trauma and explains the CPT treatment process.
2. Developing a trauma narrative: The individual is encouraged to recount the details of the traumatic event(s) and express their thoughts and emotions associated with it.
3. Identifying thoughts and beliefs: The therapist helps the individual identify and examine the thoughts and beliefs they hold about the traumatic event, themselves, and the world.
4. Challenging and modifying thoughts: Through a systematic process, the therapist assists the individual in evaluating the accuracy and helpfulness of their thoughts and beliefs. They work together to develop more adaptive and realistic ways of thinking.
5. Enhancing coping skills: CPT also focuses on teaching individuals various coping strategies and skills to manage distressing emotions, improve problem-solving abilities, and promote overall well-being.

To help you learn more about CPT, we’ve enlisted the help of Dr. Kathleen M. Chard, a co-developer of CPT. In the videos below, Dr. Chard walks you step-by-step through exactly what you need to know to make CPT therapy successful with your clients from start to finish.