“Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that has been effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD that have developed after experiencing a variety of traumatic events including child abuse, combat, rape and natural disasters.

CPT is generally delivered over 12 sessions and helps patients learn how to challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. In so doing, the patient creates a new understanding and conceptualization of the traumatic event so that it reduces its ongoing negative effects on current life.” 1

This treatment is endorsed by the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, as well as the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies, as a best practice for the treatment of PTSD. 2

I had the good fortune to be trained directly by Dr. Kathleen Chard, one of the founders of cognitive processing therapy. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about it.

1. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/cognitive-processing-therapy

2. https://cptforptsd.com/