About Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) focuses on the interpretations that have been made about a traumatic event(s). Interpretations made by the brain that are distortions trigger emotional responses that result in dysfunctional behaviours. Cognitive Processing Therapy guides the client in recognizing and examining the thinking about the traumatic event or events that might cause strong and uncomfortable emotions in addition to the normal emotions associated with trauma. CPT focuses on helping identify new, healthier, more accurate ways to view the traumatic event(s). As a result of this examination process of traumatic event(s), the old dysfunctional behaviour responses and coping mechanisms are no longer necessary and healthier behaviour patterns can take over, thus improving the client’s overall mental health. CPT also targets engaging in some behaviours to improve self care and self esteem.
How is CPT different from other therapies?
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a variation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is what many people think of when they think about “talk therapy.” There are two primary differences between Cognitive Processing Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
First, CPT is strongly trauma-focused. Think of it as regular “talk therapy,” but with tunnel vision on trauma. This is because one of the significant symptoms of PTSD is avoidance of anything that might be to do with the trauma.
Second, CPT is very structured. Whereas traditional CBT may be more free-flowing, CPT has a structure with specific steps and practices. This is also a factor that helps manage the avoidance symptom of PTSD. CPT teaches the tools and skills that can be generalized across traumas and other concerns.
Many people with a complex history of multiple traumas, are worried about doing a structured, and focussed therapy. However they often find that after doing a series of CPT sessions (usually 8-12 sessions) they start to understand all of their traumatic experiences with new ways of thinking!
CPT is also a therapy that does not require you to recall or remember, or hold in mind traumatic experiences. Hence people who don’t have clear memory of an event, such as people who may have been unconscious during an event, can still do the therapy.
What types of trauma does CPT help with?
CPT can be applied to many kinds of trauma, including (but not limited to):
- Childhood Physical, Emotional, or Sexual Abuse
- Sexual Assault
- Domestic or Family Violence
- Natural Disasters
- Military Combat
- Grief and Loss
- Serious Accidents or Injuries
- Miscarriage or Stillbirth
- Traumatic Childbirth Experience
- Medical Trauma
- Serious Medical Diagnosis
- Any other event(s) that has created PTSD responses
How effective is CPT?
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) has been in use since the 1980s and has undergone extensive testing. It has been demonstrated to be effective in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD.
Most clients experience a noticeable change in symptoms within the first 4-5 sessions, with continued improvement over the remaining course of treatment.
Like any type of therapy, the success of the treatment relies on your commitment to doing the work. Think what happens for physical rehab. This is also true for CPT, which requires practice outside of the therapy room. Ultimately, the effort you invest correlates with the benefits you will reap.
What does a CPT session look like?
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) consists of three phases. First, we need to assess if CPT is the right therapy for you. This involves assessing for a PTSD or Complex PTSD diagnosis, ruling out contraindications, and identifying a traumatic event to start working with.
Phase One and Two
Next, we do what psychologists call psychoeducation. This is learning about how the brain gets “stuck” when trauma occurs and how we think CPT works to change this. To help you become “un-stuck.”
These two phases take 2-3 sessions. Usually, the first 1-2 sessions at our clinic are dedicated to assessing and understanding if your experience is PTSD. There can be many mental health outcomes that are related to trauma, including depression, substance use difficulties and panic, just to name a few. We start CPT with the psychoeducation session.
Phase Three
The third phase is the “active phase” of CPT. With your therapist you will work on understanding and exploring what happened, why it happened, its impact on you, and any “stuck points” (a CPT word for unhelpful beliefs) that might be hindering your recovery from a traumatic experience. You will be given worksheets, or you can use an app to practice exploring stuck points you have discussed in session. As you move through the therapy you will begin to reassess your beliefs about safety, trust, power, control, self-esteem, and intimacy. All these life areas can be affected by traumatic experiences, and CPT is the only trauma focussed therapy that will specifically consider all of these areas. CPT aims to help you apply new ways of understanding and interpreting in your life, making you your own therapist.
Is CPT right for me?
This is the million dollar question. Just like people have different ways of learning (Visual, Auditory, Kinaesthetic, etc.), everyone processes information and trauma differently. For some people, a cognitive therapy approach may produce the best results, while others may find cognitive approaches irritating, overwhelming, or unproductive. Every person and situation is unique and should be evaluated accordingly. At the Centre for Clinical Psychology we always start with assessing your situation and then we discuss what might be the best course of action for you.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, don’t suffer in silence. Book an appointment at the Centre for Clinical Psychology in Melbourne today by calling 03 9077 0122, or through our online booking portal. Our team of experienced psychologists are here to help you overcome your challenges and improve your wellbeing.
Reference
Resick, P. A., Monson, C. M., & Chard, K. M. (2024). Cognitive processing therapy for PTSD: A comprehensive therapist manual, 2nd ed (pp. xvi, 328). The Guilford Press.
