Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidenced-based therapy model designed for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) treatment. Dr. Patricia Resick created this form of PTSD treatment in the late 1980s. Follow this link to read more about Dr. Resick and her work. This blog post will describe why CPT for PTSD treatment is an effective form of trauma therapy.
What is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)?
CPT is a derivative of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This means that CPT helps people heal from PTSD by addressing thought patterns and beliefs that shift after traumatic experiences. CPT will address all inaccurate forms of thoughts; however, CPT focuses on the following domains safety, trust, power/control, esteem, and intimacy in its therapy protocol. Often, these domains of life are most disrupted following trauma situations.
Is CPT Effective for Healing PTSD?
The National Center for PTSD indicates that CPT is effective for PTSD recovery. Additionally, they note that through research, CPT has been effective in reducing PTSD symptoms when fidelity to the protocol is maintained. Lastly, thefurther reviewed CPT research. They determined CPT has the ability to reduce PTSD and depression symptoms associated with PTSD. In conclusion, CPT’s past and current research, it can be concluded CPT has the power to help heal people living with PTSD.
Does the CPT Protocol Have Homework?
One of the reasons CPT is so effective is because of the assigned homework individuals complete between sessions. Every CPT module has paperwork to be completed. This paperwork shifts over time as the protocol progresses onward. By having daily CPT paperwork, the CPT protocol ensures repetition to create new neural pathways in the brain. As these new pathways, or forms of thinking, form, the old pathways associated with trauma responses are no longer used and dissipate over time.
How Long Is the CPT Protocol?
The typical CPT protocol is between 12-16 sessions. That is because there are some studies where the CPT protocol sessions are combined, or sessions are missed due to illness or avoidance patterns. Depending on the individual, the CPT protocol can be administered again if the desired effect is not obtained the first time.
Find a CPT Therapist for PTSD Near Me
Finding CPT therapy may be difficult. It requires an in-depth search to find the right therapist that meets your needs. At Revitalize Mental Health PLLC, I offer online and in-person CPT services. I have found that in-person sessions work best for those who live near the Southern Milwaukee, WI area. Virtual CPT works best for those who live throughout the State of Wisconsin and Colorado.
I offer a free 15-minute consultation call for all new potential clients. This can be scheduled by calling 720.295.6703 or submitting an online contact form by clicking here on this link. This consultation call is used to ensure we are a good fit to work together. If not, I have a network of other local therapists I can refer you to. If we decide to move forward, we will discuss appointment availability, consent forms, and the cost of each session. I am only a private pay or cash-pay therapist. I do not accept forms of insurance.
