Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a therapeutic intervention proven effective in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). CPT was developed in 1988 by Dr Patricia Resick. Cognitive Processing Therapy is a cognitive therapy (versus an exposure therapy).  

CPT is a 12-session treatment that can be utilized with persons who have been diagnosed with PTSD alone, PTSD with other co-morbid disorders (depression for example), as well as others who do not meet the criteria for that disorder. The treatment model for CPT involves the therapist providing an overview of the treatment, and PTSD and gathering information about the client’s trauma history, evaluating for PTSD and other conditions. Treatment continues with the client identifying how the trauma has impacted him/her/them, to include any unhelpful ways of thinking that developed as a result of the trauma and more helpful ways of thinking about the situation. Treatment also involves a discussion about the role of emotions in the development (or not) of PTSD. The treatment uses worksheets, written and read personal accounts, and homework in its course of treatment.

Reference:

• PTSD: National Center for PTSD. Cognitive processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD. Retrieved 30 September, 2024
• Resick, P.A., Monson, C. M., & Chard, K. M. (2017). Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. A Comprehensive Manual. The Guilford Press.