Cognitive Processing Therapy: Effective Treatment for PTSD
CPT: A form of cognitive behavioral therapy
Those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may struggle to find effective treatment for their symptoms. Because the range of symptoms and triggers for PTSD can be varied, the solutions may also vary. Many individuals with PTSD benefit from a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) called cognitive processing therapy (CPT).
Cognitive processing therapy is similar to cognitive-behavioral therapy and typically follows a 12-session format to treat PTSD symptoms. However, CPT may also benefit several other mental health conditions and symptoms. Learning about this therapy could help you make an informed decision about your care options with ReachLink.
What is CPT for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
CPT therapists for PTSD and trauma understand that PTSD can become manageable with proper support and resources. Managing symptoms involves long-term efforts to reduce emotional and physical harm to the body and mind.
Those living with PTSD may experience intense feelings and distressing memories concerning traumatic events and triggers. They may try to avoid triggers or distressing situations to avoid confronting or experiencing these feelings and memories. Therapy can help these individuals gain emotional control, feel safe, and practice effective self-care.
How does CPT work for a person with trauma?
Cognitive processing therapy aims to help clients address past adverse events and unwanted emotions or behavioral patterns attached to them. The focus is creating a deeper understanding of an individual’s reaction to trauma triggers through examining how past traumatic events may have changed their worldview.
Phase one: Understanding the trauma response
The first phase of cognitive processing therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder involves collaboration between the therapist and client to establish an understanding of the events that occurred and their connection to the client’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Clients often discover that their responses to trauma are automatic reactions they struggle to control. The ReachLink therapist uses these insights to develop a personalized treatment plan and help the client identify initial factors potentially prompting a behavioral loop rather than recovery.
Phase two: Processing and confronting the traumatic experiences
The second phase may involve helping the client process the traumatic event and potential symptoms of PTSD. The therapist might ask the individual to write a statement about the trauma and read it back. By confronting the event in a safe environment rather than avoiding it, the client may feel better able to process their emotional responses.
The process may also involve Socratic dialogue or questioning, which prompts the client to delve into their motives, core beliefs, and values to challenge unwanted thoughts or behaviors. This method may also encourage them to look for alternative perspectives and identify conflicts within their thinking.
Future phases
After the individual has begun questioning their experience and how they have processed the trauma, the therapist may ask them to write another account of the events, often many sessions after the first account. The client can compare their first account with their second to see how their perception of the event has changed with treatment. Some ReachLink therapists may complete this step without a written record, using only Socratic questioning. This approach is referred to as the CPT-C method.
Final sessions
When the therapist and client have determined that enough sessions have been completed, they review learned coping skills and processes that the client can use at home if confronted with symptoms. They may discuss generalizations, thought patterns, and emotional responses. If the client does not feel in control or is not ready to end therapy, cognitive processing therapy may be extended.
What should you expect with CPT?
Individual CPT sessions through ReachLink are typically conducted once or twice a week for 12 sessions that last approximately 50 minutes each. Clients are often given homework assignments between sessions. The main written piece, where they write about their traumatic experiences, might be completed after the third treatment session as a homework assignment or with the therapist. Therapy may include written accounts or may be verbal, depending on the therapist’s technique.
Understanding these techniques could prove helpful if you’re looking for trauma therapy. In addition to individual sessions, you might benefit from group therapy or support groups for PTSD through ReachLink’s telehealth platform.
If you participate in CPT group therapy with ReachLink, you may attend 12 sessions, around 90 to 120 minutes long. Group therapy is often conducted in small groups with two clinicians facilitating. However, this may vary depending on the method of cognitive processing therapy the clinicians prefer.
What are the types of cognitive processes in therapy?
There are six recognized cognitive processes often used during CPT to identify a client’s reactions. Each plays a role in individuals’ understanding and processing of experiences before reacting to them.
Attention
Attention is used to select the stimulus to which we react. For example, you might choose to focus on a book instead of the noises around you. With PTSD, patients may feel hyper-aware and overstimulated, which can cause challenges with attention. CPT can help clients refocus and utilize attention strategies.
Perception
Perception is used to understand your environment using sensory organs. For clients with post-traumatic stress or PTSD, perception may be harder during a flashback or distressing memory. CPT can teach mindfulness and grounding skills to help individuals feel “in their body.”
Memory
Memory allows individuals to recall experiences and react accordingly. In those experiencing PTSD, the memory process may be altered, and the brain may be impacted. By filtering information on daily occurrences and triggers, an individual may be able to avoid flashbacks or painful memories.
Language
Language is communication. By communicating, the client and ReachLink therapist can foster a better understanding of the trauma or why the individual is attending therapy.
Learning
Individuals can make informed choices and practice self-care by learning new coping methods to replace unwanted mechanisms. They may feel more equipped to handle stress or future challenges.
Higher reasoning
The higher reasoning process connects the other cognitive processes using reasoning and decision-making. It can help an individual cultivate more effective problem-solving skills when facing a reaction to certain stimuli. The therapist can help clients identify this inner voice or force and how to use it.
Are there risks to CPT?
While CPT may not present any risks, it might sometimes feel uncomfortable. People who receive CPT may profoundly discuss past traumas, experiences, and triggers. Facing a stressful memory can be challenging for some clients. However, many people report feeling relief after sessions. The US Veterans Affairs office states that over 40% of veterans utilizing this treatment had no symptoms of PTSD when it was completed. Receiving CPT from a trained, licensed clinician through ReachLink may make this treatment effective for you.
Accessing CPT through ReachLink
If you are experiencing challenges related to trauma, you might benefit from talking to a ReachLink therapist about cognitive processing therapy. Our telehealth platform makes this evidence-based therapy accessible regardless of your location. Many clients who struggle to leave home or set in-person appointments find that our virtual cognitive processing therapy sessions provide the flexibility and comfort they need while delivering effective trauma treatment.
ReachLink’s licensed mental health professionals are trained in CPT and other evidence-based approaches to trauma treatment. Through our secure video platform, you can receive the same quality of care as in-person therapy while enjoying the convenience of connecting from wherever you feel most comfortable.
