CPT Therapy

What is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)?

 

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a trauma-focused therapy that supports recovery from the emotional and psychological effects of traumatic experiences. Trauma can shift the way you see yourself, others, and the world — especially beliefs about safety, trust, control, and self-worth. CPT provides a structured and compassionate space to understand how trauma has influenced these beliefs and to gently change the ones that continue to cause distress.

 

Many people coping with trauma carry guilt, shame, or a sense of responsibility for what happened. CPT helps explore where those beliefs came from and whether they are truly accurate or fair. Healing does not mean forgetting the trauma — it means remembering the past without being pulled back into its pain.

 

How CPT Helps:

 

TThrough therapeutic conversation and guided reflection, CPT can reduce symptoms of anxiety, fear, shame, or hopelessness. It encourages new ways of thinking that foster emotional relief and greater self-compassion. Over time, trauma becomes part of your story — not the part that controls you.

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What to Expect in CPT

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CPT follows a clear, step-by-step process that helps trauma feel more manageable. A key piece of therapy is weekly practice outside of sessions. This typically includes worksheets and writing exercises that allow you to apply the skills you’re learning and notice progress in real time.

 

In therapy, we will:

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• Learn how trauma impacts thoughts, emotions, and beliefs

• Identify where unhelpful patterns came from

• Practice new perspectives and coping skills

• Support growth at a pace that feels safe

 

The goal is to help you feel grounded, empowered, and better able to navigate daily life with confidence.