Effective PTSD Treatment: Exploring Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Written By Catherine Tamayo

By Catherine Tamayo, LPCC

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a highly effective, evidence-based approach to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma can leave a lasting impact on thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, often creating barriers to everyday life. CPT helps individuals process their experiences, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and regain inner security.

Understanding the effects of trauma and how therapy works is an essential first step toward recovery. Below, we provide an overview of PTSD diagnostic criteria, an introduction to CPT, and how this therapy can help empower individuals to recover from symptoms of trauma.

Understanding PTSD

What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as combat, sexual assault, natural disasters, or serious accidents. While not everyone exposed to trauma develops PTSD, those who do may experience symptoms that significantly disrupt daily life.

PTSD Diagnostic Criteria

According to the DSM-5, PTSD is characterized by the following most common symptoms:

  1. Intrusion Symptoms

    • Recurrent, involuntary, and distressing memories of the trauma.

    • Nightmares or flashbacks that feel as if the trauma is happening again.

  2. Avoidance Behaviors

    • Avoiding thoughts, feelings, people, or places that remind the individual of the trauma.

  3. Negative Changes in Cognition and Mood

    • Persistent negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., "I am unworthy," "The world is unsafe").

    • Difficulty experiencing positive emotions or feeling detached from others.

  4. Hyperarousal Symptoms

    • Hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, irritability, or difficulty concentrating and sleeping.

These symptoms must persist for more than one month, cause significant distress or impairment, and not be attributable to substance use or other medical conditions.

What is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)?

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy specifically designed to treat PTSD. By focusing on the thoughts and beliefs shaped by trauma, CPT helps individuals challenge unhelpful patterns and regain or strengthen emotional well-being.

Key Components of CPT

  1. Identifying Stuck Points

    • Trauma often creates "stuck points" or unhelpful beliefs such as self-blame or feelings of helplessness. These beliefs can perpetuate PTSD symptoms and emotional distress.

  2. Understanding the Impact of Trauma

    • CPT helps individuals explore how their thoughts about the trauma influence their emotions and behaviors, providing clarity and empowerment.

  3. Cognitive Restructuring

    • By challenging distorted beliefs and replacing them with accurate thoughts, individuals rebuild their sense of safety and self-worth.

How Does CPT Work?

CPT typically involves 12 structured therapy sessions. The process includes:

  1. Education on Trauma and PTSD

    • Understanding how trauma impacts the brain, emotions, and behaviors is the first step toward healing.

  2. Writing and Reviewing Impact Statements

    • Clients write about how the trauma has shaped their beliefs and discuss these statements with their therapist to identify stuck points.

  3. Challenging Cognitive Distortions

    • Therapists guide clients through exercises to question and replace unhelpful beliefs.

  4. Exploring Core Themes

    • Core themes such as safety, trust, intimacy, and self-esteem are addressed to rebuild a sense of stability and connection.

Benefits of CPT for PTSD Treatment

  1. Reduction in PTSD Symptoms

    • CPT helps alleviate intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and hyperarousal symptoms.

  2. Improved Emotional Regulation

    • By identifying and challenging distorted thoughts, CPT enhances emotional management.

  3. Strengthened Relationships

    • Trauma processing often improves communication and trust in relationships.

  4. Sustainable Recovery

    • CPT provides lasting tools for managing thoughts and emotions, preventing relapse.

Getting Started with PTSD Treatment

If you’re ready to begin your journey, reaching out to a therapist trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy can be the first step. At Mind Matters Collective, there are several providers that specialize in providing trauma-informed care through CPT, available both virtually and in person across Minnesota Contact us today to learn more .

Additional Resources for PTSD Education

Books

  1. van der Kolk, B. (2015). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books.

  2. Resick, P. A., Monson, C. M., & Chard, K. M. (2016). Cognitive processing therapy for PTSD: A comprehensive manual. Guilford Press.

  3. Herman, J. L. (2015). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence—From domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.

Websites

  1. National Center for PTSD – A comprehensive resource on PTSD education and treatment.

  2. American Psychological Association – Information on evidence-based treatments and research for PTSD.

  3. CPT for PTSD – Official site with resources, training, and information about Cognitive Processing Therapy.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Herman, J. L. (2015). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence—From domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.

Resick, P. A., Monson, C. M., & Chard, K. M. (2016). Cognitive processing therapy for PTSD: A comprehensive manual. Guilford Press.

van der Kolk, B. (2015). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books.

National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). Understanding PTSD and PTSD treatment. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov

Catherine Tamayo
Next

Small Steps to Lasting Change: Achieving Your Goals with Tiny Habits