Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a highly effective form of therapy for individuals who have experienced traumatic events. It helps individuals who are struggling to cope with negative thoughts and emotions resulting from the trauma. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what cognitive processing therapy is, what it involves, and how it can help individuals overcome trauma.
What is Cognitive Processing Therapy?
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps individuals restructure their thinking patterns after experiencing trauma. The goal of cognitive processing therapy is to help individuals get a better understanding of their thoughts and emotions surrounding the event, and to learn how to deal with them more effectively. It helps individuals to come to terms with what has happened to them and to work towards a more positive outlook on life.
What does Cognitive Processing Therapy involve?
Cognitive Processing Therapy involves 12 sessions that focus on different aspects of recovering from trauma. These sessions help individuals understand how their thoughts and emotions can impact their behavior and provide them with strategies to change negative beliefs and reduce anxiety. Here’s an overview of what the sessions involve:
1. Introduction to CPT
The first session sets the groundwork for the therapy. The therapist explains what CPT is and how it works, and the goals of the therapy are discussed. Individuals are also asked to complete a questionnaire to help the therapist understand their thoughts and feelings.
2. Trauma Overview
The second session focuses on the traumatic event(s). The therapist encourages the individual to talk about their experiences and explore their feelings towards them.
3. Safety
The third session focuses on creating a sense of safety for the individual. The therapist will help the individual develop a plan for self-care and provide coping strategies to promote relaxation.
4. Feelings
The fourth session explores the individual’s feelings towards the traumatic event. The therapist will help the individual to express their emotions in a healthy way and develop coping strategies to deal with distressing feelings.
5. Thoughts and Beliefs
The fifth session focuses on the individual’s thoughts and beliefs related to the traumatic event. The therapist will help the individual recognize negative thoughts and beliefs and replace them with more positive ones.
6. An Overview of CPT and PTSD
The sixth session provides an overview of CPT and PTSD. The therapist will help the individual to understand how CPT can help them deal with PTSD symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and anger.
7. Stuck Points
The seventh session focuses on “stuck points,” which are negative thoughts and beliefs that are hindering recovery. The therapist will help the individual to identify these stuck points and develop strategies to overcome them.
8. Advanced Stuck Points
The eighth session builds on the previous session by exploring more complex stuck points. The therapist will help the individual to recognize these more difficult stuck points and work on developing more comprehensive strategies to overcome them.
9. Skill-Building
The ninth session looks at developing skills to help reduce anxiety and manage stress. The therapist will help the individual develop relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and other strategies to improve their well-being.
10. Exposure
The tenth session focuses on exposure therapy, where the individual is gradually exposed to the traumatic event. The therapist will help the individual to develop coping strategies to manage anxiety and stress during the exposure.
11. Wrap-up
The eleventh session is a wrap-up session that reviews the progress made over the 12 sessions. The therapist will help the individual develop a plan for continued progress beyond therapy.
12. Review and Termination
The final session is a review and termination session. The therapist will review progress made over the 12 sessions and offer continued support or referrals to other therapies if needed.
Benefits of Cognitive Processing Therapy
Cognitive processing therapy provides many benefits to individuals who have experienced trauma. These include:
1. Improved Coping Mechanisms
CPT provides individuals with a greater understanding of their thoughts and feelings, improving their ability to manage distressing emotions and cope with trauma.
2. Reduced Symptoms
CPT can help reduce symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and nightmares. By restructuring negative beliefs and developing healthy coping strategies, individuals experience a sense of relief and reduced distress.
3. Improved Relationships
As individuals gain a better understanding of their emotions and how they impact their behavior, they’re better equipped to form and maintain healthy relationships.
4. Improved Self-Esteem
Coping strategies learned in CPT can help individuals feel more aligned with their core values and confident in their ability to take charge of their thoughts and behaviors.
Final Thoughts
Cognitive processing therapy is a highly effective form of therapy for individuals who have experienced trauma. It helps individuals to better understand their thoughts and emotions surrounding the event and to develop strategies to deal with them more effectively. With the help of CPT, individuals can achieve a sense of closure and move forward towards a healthier and happier life.
