Cognitive Processing Therapy Online

What is Cognitive Processing Therapy?

CPT is a type of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy designed specifically to treat Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. CPT will help you to identify how your beliefs about yourself and the world changed after your traumatic experience. After trauma people can get stuck in thoughts and feelings that interfere with recovery. For example, common thoughts such as “I am a terrible person”, “I should have known it would happen”, and “the world is dangerous” are common stuck points. Your therapist will help you explore how your trauma has impacted the way you experience safety, trust, power/control, esteem and intimacy.

How long will it take?

CPT is a short-term therapy lasting about 14 weeks. The benefit is that you will have a timeline where you can expect to notice improvement in your symptoms.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Symptoms of PTSD often include:
-experiencing distressing memories, nightmares, flashbacks,
-feeling distress when reminded of the trauma
-avoiding thoughts, feelings, people and places associated with the trauma
-negative beliefs and expectations about yourself and others
-less interest participating in life and difficulty experiencing positive emotions
About 9% of adults in Canada meet the criteria for PTSD. It is more common than you might think.

How much detail about my trauma do I have to share?

There are 2 types of CPT we offer. CPT and CPT+A. In both versions you will be asked to write an impact statement about how the trauma has affected you. In CPT+A you will have the option to also include a written account of the traumatic event if you feel that would be an important part of your journey. The choice will always be up to you.

Things to consider

Cognitive Processing Therapy is designed to be delivered once a week for about 14 weeks. It is best to begin CPT when you know you can commit to 14 weeks of therapy as breaks may interfere with the effectiveness.

Cognitive Processing Therapy is a very structured type of therapy and requires homework. You will be expected to complete a brief writing assignment at the beginning of therapy and again at the end of your treatment. You will also fill out worksheets each week to bring to the following session.

Finally, Cognitive Processing Therapy may not be a recommended treatment if you are experiencing dementia, mania, current psychosis, or suicidal intent.

Learn more about CPT:

• CPT Case Study
• Cognitive Processing Therapy Video

Check out our online booking system to book your consultation with Anna.