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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Make room for a more balanced understanding of what happened.

CPT is a structured, trauma-focused therapy for PTSD. It helps you examine beliefs shaped by trauma and develop a more flexible understanding of yourself, other people, and the world.

View appointment timesWhat happens first?
Notice the beliefExplore the evidenceFind a balanced view
Notice a belief, examine it, and consider another perspective.

Working through beliefs that keep you feeling stuck.

Trauma can leave behind guilt, shame, self-blame, or broad conclusions about danger and trust. CPT uses guided questions and practice to examine those conclusions in the context of what actually happened.

What sessions may involve

  1. Understand the impactLearn about PTSD and explore how the experience affected your thoughts and feelings.
  2. Examine stuck pointsIdentify beliefs that maintain distress and consider evidence, context, and alternative perspectives.
  3. Practice a balanced viewApply the skills to themes such as safety, trust, control, self-worth, and closeness with others.
Common questions

Understanding CPT

Is CPT a type of CBT?

Yes. CPT is a specific cognitive behavioral treatment developed for PTSD. It focuses particularly on the meaning of traumatic events and the beliefs that follow.

Do I need to write out every detail?

CPT usually includes writing about how trauma affected you and completing practice worksheets. A detailed written trauma account is optional in some versions. Your therapist will explain the format.

How many sessions are typical?

CPT is commonly organized around approximately 12 sessions, with the pace and length adjusted to clinical needs. Regular practice between sessions is an important part of treatment.

Learn more from the VA mental health information on CPT.

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