Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a type of therapy that helps kids who have experienced trauma. It teaches them how to change upsetting thoughts and feelings related to the traumatic event, so they can feel better and move forward.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a type of therapy that helps kids who have experienced trauma. It teaches them how to change upsetting thoughts and feelings related to the traumatic event, so they can feel better and move forward.
Is CPT effective for children?
Yes, CPT is proven to help kids manage symptoms of stress and anxiety by teaching them to reframe negative thoughts.
How long does it take for CPT to show results?
While individual experiences may vary, many people begin to see a decrease in symptoms after a few weeks of consistent CPT sessions.
Can CPT be used with other tools or apps?
Absolutely! CPT can be complemented by tools like Goally’s visual scheduler or emotional regulation apps to make the therapy more effective.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions in children and adolescents. This manualized cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and restructuring maladaptive beliefs and thought patterns related to the traumatic event. CPT is typically delivered over 12 weekly individual or group sessions, each lasting 50-90 minutes, and has been shown to significantly reduce PTSD symptoms in youth.
Cognitive Processing Therapy helps children and teens with PTSD by targeting the thoughts and beliefs that maintain their symptoms. Here are some key components of CPT:
| CPT Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Psychoeducation | Learning about PTSD and trauma’s impact |
| Cognitive Restructuring | Identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts |
| Exposure | Gradually facing trauma reminders safely |
| Skill-Building | Developing coping strategies for resilience |
By addressing both the thoughts and experiences related to trauma, CPT helps kids process their experiences, reduce their distress, and move forward with greater confidence and well-being.
This post was originally published on August 27, 2023. It was updated on May 9, 2024.
