What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

     Cognitive Processing Therapy is a trauma therapy that is structured to occur over a12-session period, using a specific CPT protocol. The goal of CPT is to help clients learn how to challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma, which will help to create a new understanding of the trauma. This new understanding will ultimately reduce the negative effect that the traumatic event has had on the client’s life, and allow client to heal.

     The foundation of CPT is psychoeducation on trauma and how it effects a person’s thoughts, emotions and physical responses to things related to the traumatic experience. Once client has shown a strong working knowledge of this and how it applies to their experience, the client and therapist move on to address patterns of avoidance the client may have been practicing. While avoidance of talking about, thinking of and reflecting on a traumatic experience is very common, if done problematically, it can result in persistent difficulties and continued problematic emotional responses to any reminder of the trauma.

     As the patterns of avoidance are worked through, the therapist assists the client in learning how to challenge interpretations and assumptions that may have been made about themself or the world as a result of the trauma. This is accomplished through the utilization of worksheets in session and the implementation of homework outside of session.

     This type of therapy, similar to many other therapy modalities is dependent on what the client puts into the work. The therapist is present with unconditional positive regard, however sessions rely heavily on client’s completion of the assigned homework, so that sessions can follow the necessary protocol for a successful completion.

     There are several therapists within Everlasting Wellness LLC that are trained in and practicing Cognitive Processing Therapy. If interested in exploring this further, please reach out to our helpful admin team.