Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

What is CPT?

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment designed to help survivors understand and shift the thoughts and beliefs that were shaped by trauma. Many people develop “stuck points”—patterns of self-blame, guilt, shame, or fear—that keep their nervous system activated long after the trauma is over. CPT helps you examine these beliefs, understand where they came from, and gently move toward more balanced, self-compassionate perspectives. Decades of research have shown that CPT is highly effective for PTSD and trauma-related anxiety, especially for survivors of interpersonal or sexual trauma (Resick et al., 2017).

CPT for Trauma

CPT directly processes trauma by exploring how the event affected your beliefs about safety, trust, power, esteem, and intimacy. You learn to challenge shame, confront self-blame, and make meaning of what happened in a way that supports healing. CPT is great for clients who prefer a highly structured approach utilizing daily “homework”.

References

Resick, P. A., Monson, C. M., & Chard, K. M. (2017). Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD: A comprehensive manual. Guilford Press.

What CPT Sessions Look Like

CPT follows a manualized, structured sequence, with each session focusing on a different module. However, the pace is always tailored to your comfort and needs. Sessions include learning about how trauma affects the brain, identifying stuck points, journaling, reviewing worksheets, and practicing new cognitive skills. Many clients appreciate how organized and collaborative CPT feels.