At Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), we’re dedicated to improving the lives of veterans, service members, and their families. Our evidence-based practices utilize proven treatments guided by the latest research.
What is CPT?
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a short-term, evidence-based treatment designed to address symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). CPT is considered a “Gold Standard” treatment, meaning that it has the highest level of research evidence to support its use.
What Does CPT Help?
Cognitive Processing Therapy is an effective treatment for PTSD.
Individuals with many different types of traumas have experienced positive results with CPT. This includes traumas related to combat, sexual assault, childhood abuse, natural disasters, and accidents.
How Does CPT Work?
When you experience a trauma, it can change your thinking about yourself and the world. You may believe you are to blame for what happened or that the world is a dangerous place. These kinds of thoughts can keep you stuck in PTSD. CPT works toward evaluating and changing upsetting and unhelpful thoughts about the trauma. By changing our thoughts, our emotions can change, and symptoms reduce.
Counseling Sessions Focus On:
- Identifying negative thoughts and feelings
- Learning skills to evaluate your thinking
- Considering alternate views of the trauma, yourself, and the world
Goals of CPT
- Reducing symptoms of PTSD
- Feeling the natural emotions associated with the traumatic event
- Recognizing inaccurate and unhelpful trauma-related thoughts
- Developing skills that can be used in the future to promote recovery and effective coping
Duration of Treatment
CPT typically lasts 8-12 sessions, depending on the client needs. Each session is approximately 60 minutes in length. Sessions may occur once or twice per week.
Learn More
If you’d like to learn more about care for veterans, service members, or military families at CVN, visit our Client Education Center or contact a Cohen Clinic near you.