Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD
There is no doubt in my mind that the decision to treat your trauma-related symptoms is not one that you considered lightly. Let’s air it out- the decision to take this step is HUGE, frightening and down-right anxiety provoking! After all, you may have been avoiding dealing with this for quite some time and who could possibly blame you for that?! Avoidance of internal trauma reminders (i.e., memories, thoughts, feelings related to the stressful experience) and/or external reminders (i.e., people, places, conversations, activities or situations) related to the stressful experience are a symptom in and of themselves! The bad news? This is one the many pieces of the pie that are keeping you “stuck” in your recovery.
First, let’s start with a brief overview of the goals of CPT. The goals are as follows: To Improve your understanding of PTSD, reduce distress about memories of the trauma, decrease emotional numbing (an example of this may be difficulty feeling feelings) and avoidance of trauma-reminders, reduce tense feelings or feelings of being “on edge,” decrease depression, anxiety, guilt or shame and of course- to improve daily living. CPT is especially unique in that it provides a way to understand why recovery from traumatic events is difficult and how symptoms affect daily life.
You may have strong negative beliefs about yourself, others or the world. For example, having thoughts such as “I am bad, there is something wrong with me”, “People can’t be trusted” or “The world is a dangerous place.” CPT is focused on identifying how traumatic experiences change our thoughts and beliefs, and how thoughts influence emotions and behaviors. For someone who has experienced trauma, we must address ways of thinking that will keep you “stuck” and get in the way of recovery (yet another piece of that pie mentioned earlier). Do you find that you blame yourself or someone else for the stressful experience or for what happened after it? You are not alone in this, in fact- it is quite common among those diagnosed with PTSD. CPT can help you to change these beliefs in a way that will alleviate intense and uncomfortable feelings, such as shame and guilt.
If you have been diagnosed with Post-traumatic stress disorder, you may find that you experience difficulties in 5 major areas: Safety, Trust, Intimacy, Power & Control and Esteem. Take a moment to think about your beliefs about yourself, others and the world with these 5 areas in mind. For example, what are your beliefs about trusting others? Yourself? The world? 5 out of the 12 CPT sessions are focused on these areas and given my experiences in treating those diagnosed with PTSD- they are worthy of the time spent focusing on them. I will guide you through, each and every step of the way. I will challenge you to think differently and teach you the skills you need to do so.
CPT is a treatment protocol that I am incredibly passionate about. The reason for this? Many successes with many clients. I believe in this treatment, and when treated by the right clinician, it WORKS. It is a treatment for anyone diagnosed with PTSD- perhaps you are a veteran, a police officer, an emergency responder. Perhaps you are someone who has experienced childhood abuse or sexual trauma. The treatment remains the same. It is short-term (12 sessions), evidence-based and structured protocol. I will teach you how to be your own therapist- so that your need for my services is not an ongoing, life-long commitment. I do not believe that clients need to be, or should be, in therapy forever. My goal is to help you get “unstuck,” to help you recover, and get you back to living a satisfying and fulfilling life.
Furthermore, CPT is endorsed by the U.S Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, as well as the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies, as the best practice for the treatment of PTSD. As a rostered Cognitive Processing Therapy Provider at the VA- I just had to throw that one in there for good measure!
If you are considering whether this treatment may be right for you- please, give me a call. I would be happy to discuss it further over the phone during our consultation.
Wishing you strength and motivation in your recovery,
Katie