What to expect with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)?

During Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) sessions, you will learn skills to help you manage your thoughts and emotions. You will also practice using these skills to cope with symptoms of PTSD. CPT can help you to understand your thoughts and feelings about the trauma, challenge and change negative thinking patterns, and help you to manage difficult emotions such as anger, sadness, and fear.

yeghip - faq - What to expect with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)?

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that was developed in the late 1980s by clinical psychologist Patricia Resick and her colleagues as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

CPT is based on the theory that PTSD is caused by maladaptive beliefs and thoughts that develop in response to traumatic events. These thoughts can be distorted or inaccurate, and can perpetuate symptoms such as anxiety, avoidance, and intrusive thoughts.

The goal of CPT is to help individuals identify and challenge these maladaptive beliefs and thoughts, and to develop more accurate and adaptive ways of thinking about their trauma experiences. CPT is typically conducted in a structured, time-limited format and involves 12 individual therapy sessions.

During therapy sessions, clients learn about the cognitive model of PTSD and are taught strategies for identifying and challenging maladaptive thoughts and beliefs. Clients also learn coping skills for managing PTSD symptoms, such as relaxation techniques and stress management strategies.

CPT has been shown to be an effective treatment for PTSD, and has also been adapted for use in other conditions, such as depression and anxiety disorders. It is widely used in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, and has been recognized as a first-line treatment for PTSD by organizations such as the American Psychological Association and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

Today, CPT remains a respected and widely used approach to treating trauma-related disorders, and its emphasis on cognitive restructuring and coping skills training continues to influence the field of mental health.

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