Cognitive Processing Therapy

Most of our services are offered in person, conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, and online.

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What is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)?

CPT is based on the idea that difficulties in recovering from trauma often arise from how people interpret the traumatic event and its aftermath. These interpretations can lead to negative beliefs about themselves, others, and the world, which in turn fuel PTSD symptoms. CPT aims to help individuals identify, challenge, and modify these unhelpful or "stuck" thoughts. This doesn’t mean that your symptoms are your fault; they are the result of many factors we are exposed to throughout our lives. What it does mean is that you have the power to change them. CPT is just one of the ways we have available to help you reach those goals. 

What Does CPT Look Like?

CPT is a structured, time-limited protocol. Traditionally, it’s meant to be done in 12 sessions over the course of 6 weeks. However, there is flexibility in the frequency and timing of sessions you and your therapist can discuss. Each session will have a specific topic or skill to be covered, and home assignments that are meant to help you practice the skills in real time. The first half of the protocol will cover:

  • Information about PTSD and trauma-related symptoms

  • A discussion, typically written, of your thoughts as to why the traumatic incident happened to you. 

  • Then you’ll be introduced to some skills that will help you identify and challenge thoughts and beliefs that have developed as a result of the trauma and are keeping you feeling stuck. These might be thoughts like "It was my fault," "I can't trust anyone," or "The world is a dangerous place."

In the second half of the protocol, you'll explore how the trauma has impacted specific areas of your life, such as safety, trust, power/control, self-esteem, and intimacy. You'll apply the skills you've learned to address any negative beliefs or difficulties in these areas.

Studies have found that up to 94% of people no longer met criteria for PTSD, even after one year of completing CPT treatment.

More About CPT

CPT is considered an evidence-based treatment for PTSD, meaning it has been rigorously studied and shown to be effective. While it involves confronting difficult thoughts and emotions, many people find it to be a powerful tool for healing and recovery and tell us they continue to use the tools they learned in treatment well after their work with us is done. 

You don’t need to have PTSD to benefit from CPT. Anyone who has been affected by a traumatic incident can do the protocol and experience improvement. You and your therapist will spend a couple of sessions discussing your history and your current challenges in order to make the best recommendations based on the information we have available. 

Do You Have Questions About CPT?

Are you wondering if you can be helped with this method? Schedule a consultation! One of our team members will meet with you, answer your questions, and help get you started. 

You can also email us at info@pacsnyc.com for more information.