Cognitive Processing Therapy

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help people recover from trauma-related symptoms, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CPT focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that develop after traumatic events—such as self-blame, excessive guilt, or overgeneralized danger—and replacing them with more balanced, realistic perspectives. The therapy typically includes education about trauma responses, written accounts of the traumatic event for processing avoidance and emotional reactions, and targeted cognitive exercises to examine how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors. CPT is usually delivered in a time-limited format (commonly 12 sessions), can be provided individually or in groups, and has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms, improving functioning, and enhancing emotional resilience.