Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) designed primarily to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions.
Here's an explanation using a mix of psychological and general terms:

Stuck Points: In CPT, a central concept is the idea of "stuck points." These are maladaptive beliefs or thoughts that individuals might have after experiencing a traumatic event. For example, someone might think, "It was my fault I was attacked" or "I can't trust anyone anymore." These beliefs can hinder the individual's ability to move forward and process their trauma.

Cognitive Restructuring: This is a process by which individuals learn to identify and challenge these stuck points. In everyday language, it's like learning to catch yourself when you're thinking negatively or inaccurately about the trauma and then working to reframe or think about it in a more balanced and accurate way.

Structured Sessions: CPT is typically conducted over 12 sessions, though this can vary. In these sessions, individuals work with a therapist to understand their reactions to trauma, identify their stuck points, and practice cognitive restructuring techniques to address these points.

Writing and Reading: One core component of CPT involves writing a detailed account of the traumatic event and reading it aloud. This can help individuals confront and make sense of their traumatic experiences.

Skills: Throughout CPT, individuals learn a variety of skills to help them challenge and modify unhelpful thoughts related to the trauma. This might involve worksheets, practice in real-life situations, or guided discussions with the therapist.

Homework: Like many cognitive-behavioral therapies, CPT often involves homework. This allows individuals to practice the skills they're learning outside of therapy sessions, which can reinforce the therapy's effectiveness.

Goal: The primary goal of CPT is to help individuals with PTSD and related conditions reduce their symptoms by addressing and restructuring maladaptive beliefs about the trauma. Over time, this can lead to reduced symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, avoidance, and heightened arousal.


To sum it up, CPT is a therapy method that teaches individuals to recognize, confront, and change harmful beliefs they might have developed after a traumatic event, helping them move forward and reduce trauma-related symptoms.

Ver todos los episodios