Cognitive Processing Therapy

I am a Certified Provider in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. This evidence based treatment helps clients understand how PTSD develops, processes how clients see themselves, others and the world as a result, and most importantly provides a pathway to post traumatic growth. This highly effective short term treatment provides symptom relief and life beyond the trauma.

Identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs regarding trauma can provide a path to more freedom in our lives, and I like that CPT does not require us to relive the traumatic experiences in a drawn-out narrative.

Attended 2 day intensive training by CPT co-developer Dr. Kathleen Chard. Completed 19 hours of CPT group consultation with Dr. Alexandra Macdonald Pending CPT provider status

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to help individuals recover from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions. It focuses on helping patients identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to trauma, which can often lead to ongoing negative effects on their lives.

I trained with Dr. Kathleen Chard, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, and co-author of CPT for PTSD. I also engaged in weekly supervision for certification in CPT following the training with Dr. Chard.

Shannon uses Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help clients process and reframe traumatic experiences. By identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts, especially those related to trauma, she helps clients gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and behaviors. This empowers clients to develop healthier perspectives, reduce emotional distress, and work toward healing from past trauma.

Amanda has advanced training in CPT and has successfully helped many struggling with PTSD

I incorporate Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help you work through trauma and distressing experiences. CPT encourages you to recount your traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment. This storytelling process helps you confront and articulate your thoughts and feelings about the trauma. Sharing practical advice and strategies is a key part of "spilling the tea." Similarly, CPT equips you with adaptive coping strategies to manage distressing thoughts and feelings.

Our thoughts - or cognitions - play a tremendous role in how we feel and subsequently behave. When we become more aware of our thoughts, and when we can analyze them without judgement, we can challenge the negative distortions and the shoulds/woulds that stymie us. Often from a very young age, many people are told harmful things about themselves that might not be true but which they accept as gospel anyway. The tools that I share help my clients free themselves.

Our thoughts - or cognitions - play a tremendous role in how we feel and subsequently behave. When we become more aware of our thoughts, and when we can analyze them without judgement, we can challenge the negative distortions and the shoulds/woulds that stymie us. Often from a very young age, many people are told harmful things about themselves that might not be true but which they accept as gospel anyway. The tools that I share help my clients free themselves.

CPT is an ideal framework for trauma survivors seeking to heal from a traumatic experience. By addressing unhelpful beliefs about what you went through, we will work together to process and reframe your past, fostering healing and reducing symptoms of PTSD. With CPT, you'll gain tools to understand how traumatic experiences affect beliefs about yourself, others, and the world.

CPT is a well-researched, manualized therapy proven to significantly reduce symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is generally delivered over 12 sessions and helps clients learn how to challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. Other than the first session, 7 sheets of homework are assigned between each session.

Cognitive Processing Therapy is seen as the gold standard PTSD treatment and one that is used throughout academic medical centers. I completed a specialized post-doctoral fellowship in utilizing this treatment along with Prolonged Exposure to treat PTSD holistically and effectively.