Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) typically occurs from situations where our life is in immediate jeopardy, learning of an unexpected death of one close to us, sexual assault/abuse, or witnessing a horrific event. However, PTSD can be healed utilizing Cognitive Processing Therapy. Situations that can create PTSD include:
- Near death or loss of life in a car accidents – unexpected situations can shift feelings and beliefs of safety
- Active shooter situations – one’s wellbeing is directly in threat
- Learning that someone close to you passed away from an unexpected event – could include: car accidents, falling from a ladder, or suicide
- Someone experiences sexual assault – could be by a known or unknown person
- Being a first responder – witnessing traumatic events due to job duties
How Does Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in Kenosha Work?
CPT works by narrowing down a person’s traumatic experience or experiences to the most salient experience. Often the most salient experience of one’s trauma or traumatic events are those moments when the experience is the most intense or when emotions are heightened to levels rarely experienced in life.
CPT targets cognitive patterns that have been influenced by a traumatic experience. These cognitive patterns often relate to cognitive distortions which may include:
- Black and white thinking – either or thinking
- Overgeneralization – blanket statements related to events in life
- Minimization – minimizing events or one’s role in events
- Mind reading – attempting to read others’ thoughts and intentions
- Jumping to conclusions – making a conclusion with limited evidence
- Reasoning by emotions – using emotions to rationalize decision-making
What Makes CPT Effective?
CPT’s effectiveness stems from its ability to tease out beliefs and cognitions that were negatively altered during a traumatic event(s). CPT works by then altering these negatively impacted beliefs and thought processes to be more accurate.Through CPT’s repetitious work, neural pathways are changed. This allows for one to make balanced decisions despite past traumatic experiences.
Does CPT Have Evidence to Support Healing PTSD?
Yes. CPT is actually one of the three modalities approved by the Veterans Administration. With the other two therapy modalities being Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Prolonged Exposure therapy.
CPT Therapist in Kenosha
PTSD can arise any point in life. If you or someone you know lives with PTSD symptoms and could benefit from trauma therapy, CPT may be beneficial to their recovery process. At Revitalize Mental Health PLLC, we are trained in CPT as well as EMDR therapy. Click here to submit on online form or call us at 720.295.6703. We look forward to hearing from you!
