COGNITIVE PROCESSING THERAPY (CPT)
What is CPT
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a structured, trauma-focused psychological treatment that helps people understand and change the beliefs that develop following traumatic experiences. Trauma can affect how people see themselves, other people and the world. Someone might come to believe that they are to blame for what happened, that nobody can be trusted, or that they are permanently unsafe. CPT helps people examine these beliefs, distinguish what they know from what they assume, and develop more balanced ways of understanding the event and its impact.
HOW DOES IT WORK
CPT involves identifying the thoughts and beliefs that contribute to ongoing distress. The psychologist helps the client examine how these beliefs developed, consider the evidence for and against them, and identify patterns of thinking that may be keeping them stuck.
Treatment commonly explores themes such as safety, trust, power and control, esteem, and intimacy. Clients may complete structured worksheets or written exercises between sessions. The approach is collaborative and focused, aiming to help people make sense of their experiences without minimising what happened.
CPT is primarily used to treat PTSD and related difficulties following traumatic experiences. It may be suitable for people who experience persistent guilt, shame, self-blame, mistrust, or beliefs about themselves and the world that developed after trauma. CPT can be delivered to people with different types of trauma histories, including interpersonal violence, childhood abuse and medical-related trauma. It is not about persuading someone that their experience was less serious; it is about addressing trauma-changed cognitions that contribute to ongoing psychological distress in the present day.
WHERE DOES IT COME FROM
CPT was developed in the late 1980s by psychologists Patricia Resick and colleagues; it grew out of cognitive behavioural approaches to understanding how thoughts and interpretations influence emotional responses. Since its development, CPT has been extensively researched and is recognised as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Its structured format and emphasis on trauma-related beliefs distinguish it from broader forms of cognitive behavioural therapy.
Ready to Begin?
At Ensemble Psychology, we are committed to providing evidence-based, collaborative care that respects your identity, values, and goals.
If you are seeking thoughtful, personalised support from an experienced clinical psychologist, we invite you to get in touch to arrange an initial consultation.
Initial phone consultations are free of charge. Standard appointments (50 minutes) are charged at $260 per session