Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive behavioural therapy that has been effective in reducing post-traumatic symptoms related to a variety of traumatic events including child abuse, combat, rape and natural disasters. CPT is endorsed by the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defence, as well as the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies, as a best practice for the treatment of PTSD.
CPT is generally delivered over 12 sessions and it focuses upon how the person’s understanding of the traumatic event and their experiences in the aftermath. CPT is aimed at helping the individual develop more helpful and balanced beliefs about the trauma. In so doing, the patient creates a new understanding and conceptualisation of the traumatic event so that it reduces its ongoing negative effects on current life.