Cognitive Processing Therapy, or CPT for short, is the use of cognitive behavioural techniques to challenge and modify negative thoughts and beliefs specifically associated with various levels of trauma. These can include overwhelming experiences ranging from accidents, assaults, and violent conflict to verbal abuse and chronic shame. As with regular CBT, homework and between-session practice are an important part of change as unhelpful thoughts and thinking styles are replaced with more helpful cognitive strategies. The treatment often progresses from general education about the strong relation of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to distress tolerance around the trauma in question. From there, specific thoughts and beliefs arising from the trauma are challenged and worked with. Maladaptive thinking styles and cognitive distortions are also addressed around themes of safety, trust, power, control, and self-esteem.
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© Rennet Wong-Gates Psychotherapy |
