Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT is an evidence-based treatment developed specifically for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and related difficulties. It is one of the frontline trauma therapies endorsed by the American Psychological Association (APA) and Phoenix Australia’s Guidelines for the Treatment of PTSD.
Trauma can leave behind not only painful memories but also distorted beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world. These beliefs, called stuck points, can cause persistent distress long after the trauma has ended. CPT is suitable for people who have experienced:
- Sexual or physical assault
- Combat or disaster trauma
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Medical trauma or near-death experiences
- Other disturbing experiences that result in significant feelings intense enough to have a long-lasting negative effect on a person’s functioning.
What to Expect in CPT at Chista Psychology:
CPT is typically a multi-session structured therapy that:
- Teaches you about how trauma affects thinking and emotions
- Helps identify the specific beliefs keeping you stuck
- Uses cognitive restructuring to revise and replace those beliefs
- Supports the development of more balanced, empowering perspectives
Chista Psychology 