Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), often referred to as POST, is a type of therapy that can be incredibly helpful in managing the trauma associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). CPT is designed specifically to target thoughts and beliefs that contribute to the negative feelings and behaviors associated with PTSD.
What Is Cognitive Processing Therapy?
Cognitive Processing Therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy, which means it blends cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strategies to help individuals cope with the psychological effects of trauma. CPT is not solely focused on exposure to the traumatic event itself; rather, it addresses how individuals interpret events and how they think about them using cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes. This can help reduce the frequency and intensity of symptoms associated with PTSD.
Benefits of Cognitive Processing Therapy
CPT has several benefits that make it a popular choice for treating PTSD. These include:
- Reducing negative beliefs: CPT can help individuals challenge and modify negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to PTSD.
- Improving sleep: Through targeted strategies, CPT can improve sleep patterns, which can have a significant impact on mental and physical health.
- Decreasing avoidance behaviors: People undergoing CPT often experience a reduction in avoidance behaviors, which are common among those with PTSD.
- Improving social functioning: CPT can help individuals return to work, school, and social activities after they have been injured or had a traumatic experience.
How Does Cognitive Processing Therapy Work?
CPT is typically delivered through a course of several sessions with a licensed therapist who specializes in trauma therapy. Therapists use a variety of techniques to help individuals process traumatic memories and reframe negative beliefs. Some of the techniques used in CPT include:
- Listening and silence: This technique involves listening and remaining silent to allow individuals to calm their minds and process emotions.
- Talking therapy: Therapists have conversations with individuals to help them identify and modify negative thoughts and beliefs.
- Exposure therapy: Although not the same as exposure therapy, CPT may involve gradually exposing individuals to things that trigger or remind them of their trauma.
- Mindfulness exercises: Therapists may use mindfulness exercises to help individuals focus on the present moment and reduce mindfulness-related symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
What To Look For When Looking For a Cognitive Processing Therapy Provider
When searching for a cognitive processing therapist, it's important to look for someone whose qualifications include:
- Certification: A recognized professional certification or degree in cognitive processing therapy from a qualified program or university.
- Treatment experience: Experience in treating individuals with trauma and PTSD, as well as demonstrated success in reducing symptoms.
- Negative reviews: A number of recent and negative online reviews or testimonials from other patients can provide insight into a therapist's effectiveness.
- Accessibility: Easy access to the therapist's office, such as evening or weekend appointments, can be particularly important for those with busy schedules.
##Cognitive Processing Therapy (POST) is a proven approach for treating the psychological effects of trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). By targeting negative thoughts and beliefs associated with trauma, individuals receiving CPT can learn to respond to difficult situations in a more healthy and effective manner.