Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Evidence-Based CPT for PTSD Treatment | Telehealth Therapy in MA, VT, RI
What is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)?
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment specifically designed for individuals with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). CPT helps you understand how traumatic experiences have changed your thoughts and feelings, and teaches you skills to challenge and modify unhelpful trauma-related thoughts.
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As a doctoral-level clinical psychologist specializing in trauma therapy, I provide expert CPT treatment to help you process traumatic experiences and develop healthier thinking patterns that support your recovery.
How Does Cognitive Processing Therapy Work?
CPT focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through structured sessions, you'll learn to:
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Identify and challenge trauma-related thoughts that keep you stuck
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Understand how trauma has affected your beliefs about yourself and the world
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Develop balanced, realistic thinking patterns
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Process traumatic memories in a safe, supportive environment
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Build coping skills for managing difficult emotions and situations
The Three Phases of CPT Treatment
1
Education & Engagement
Learn about PTSD, trauma responses, and how thoughts affect feelings. Begin to identify your personal trauma-related thoughts and beliefs.
2
Processing the Trauma
Work through your traumatic experience, examining "stuck points" - thoughts that prevent you from recovering. Challenge unhelpful beliefs through writing and discussion.
3
Challenging Thoughts
Learn specific skills to identify and modify problematic thoughts about safety, trust, power, esteem, and intimacy. Practice new, balanced ways of thinking.
Benefits of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Changes Thinking Patterns
Skills-Based Approach
Structured Treatment
Extensively Researched
CPT directly addresses trauma-related thoughts and beliefs, helping you develop more balanced and realistic thinking patterns.
Learn practical tools and techniques you can use long after therapy ends to manage difficult thoughts and emotions.
Typically completed in 12-16 sessions, providing a clear timeline and structured approach to trauma recovery.
One of the most studied PTSD treatments with strong evidence showing significant symptom reduction and lasting recovery.
Who Benefits from Cognitive Processing Therapy?
CPT therapy is particularly effective for individuals experiencing PTSD from various traumatic events, including:
Military & First Responders
Military service members and veterans, Special Operations Forces, police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics
Accident & Disaster Survivors
Motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, natural disasters, unexpected events, including TBI
Healthcare & Education Professional
Nurses, doctors, therapists, teachers, administrators experiencing workplace trauma
Violence & Assault Survivors
Physical assault, sexual trauma, domestic violence, community violence
High-Performance Professionals
Executives, leaders, athletes dealing with trauma affecting performance