Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that can be used to treat individuals who have experienced a variety of traumatic events, particularly those with PTSD. It was developed as a structured evidence-based treatment for trauma-related symptoms.

CPT is based on the theory that the way individuals think about and make sense of their traumatic experiences can have a significant impact on their emotional and psychological well-being. The therapy aims to help individuals understand and modify their thought patterns, leading to a reduction in distress and the symptoms associated with PTSD.

Some key components of CPT are:

• Education: CPT typically begins with psychoeducation about PTSD, thoughts, emotions, and how “automatic thoughts” may be maintaining the PTSD symptoms. This supports individuals in gaining a better understanding of their experience.

• Cognitive Restructuring: In CPT, individuals are guided to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns related to their traumatic experience. This may include addressing cognitive distortions like guilt, self-blame, or negative beliefs about the world, oneself, and others.

• Writing and Processing: Clients are encouraged to write about their traumatic experiences, their thoughts and emotions related to the events, and how these thoughts may have influenced their behaviors. This helps individuals gain insight into their thought patterns and emotional responses.

CPT is usually conducted in a structured format, and takes place over the course of about 12-16 sessions. The goal is to help individuals process their traumatic experiences, change their responses, and reduce symptoms of PTSD. This treatment has been found to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall mental health.