What is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)?
CPT is founded on the theory that PTSD symptoms are caused by a
clash between pre-trauma beliefs about the self and the world
and post-trauma facts.
A pre-trauma belief would be that the world is a safe place
where nothing wrong will happen to me, yet post-trauma evidence
might suggest that the world is, in fact, dangerous.
These tensions are known as "stuck points," and they can be
resolved through various methods, including writing about the
painful incident.
Your therapist will assist you in identifying and addressing
stuck points and errors in thinking, such as thoughts such as
"I am a bad person" or
"I did something to deserve this."
Your therapist may be able to assist you in addressing these
errors or sticking points by having you collect evidence for and
against those thoughts.
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What Can CPT Help With?
CPT focuses on assisting persons with PTSD and
trauma-related symptoms, such as:
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Cognitive blunders
- Depression
- Dissociation
- Guilt/Hopelessness
- Coping with Grief
- Psychological anguish
- Disturbances in sleep
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Benefits of CPT
CPT can assist you in changing negative and unhelpful
beliefs related to PTSD and trauma. You can minimise your
symptoms and acquire healthy coping methods by addressing
these stuck places.
CPT may have beneficial effects in areas not explicitly
targeted during therapy. People who receive CPT, for
example, may have fewer emotions of hopelessness than those
who receive other types of treatment.
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Effectiveness of CPT Therapy
CPT is thought to be a helpful PTSD treatment. According to
research, people who do CPT have reduced symptoms related to
PTSD, and those benefits appear to stay.
Compared to other forms of therapy, CPT appears to lower the
severity of PTSD symptoms, including trauma-related
depression.
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Things to Consider
CPT may not be appropriate for persons who have specific
medical issues. Before commencing CPT, consult your primary
care or mental health practitioner if you are experiencing:
- Bipolar disorder causing mania
- Active detox for substance use disorder
- Active psychosis symptoms
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How to Get Started
If you are interested in CPT, search for a trained treatment
provider on Fettle. Your therapist will explain their
procedure and tell you what to expect when you begin
treatment.
CPT frequently includes homework assignments, handouts, and
writing assignments, so be prepared to work inside and
outside sessions.
