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What is CPT?

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Summary

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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.

Frequently Asked Question

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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.

Scientific Definition

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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.

 

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Real World Example of CPT

Sarah, a 12-year-old girl, experienced a traumatic event that left her struggling with anxiety, nightmares, and avoiding reminders of the incident. Her therapist recommended Cognitive Processing Therapy to help her work through these challenges. Here’s how CPT helped Sarah:

  • Identifying thoughts: Sarah learned to recognize the upsetting thoughts and beliefs related to her trauma, such as “I’m not safe” and “It was my fault.”
  • Challenging beliefs: With her therapist’s guidance, Sarah questioned the accuracy and helpfulness of these thoughts, and developed more balanced perspectives.
  • Coping strategies: Sarah practiced new coping skills to manage her anxiety and gradually face her fears in a safe, controlled way.

Over time, Sarah’s PTSD symptoms decreased, and she felt more confident and in control of her life. CPT gave her the tools to process her traumatic experience and move forward with resilience.

How does CPT work?

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:

  • Psychoeducation: Learning about PTSD and how trauma affects thoughts and emotions
  • Cognitive restructuring: Identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts related to the trauma
  • Exposure: Gradually confronting trauma reminders in a safe, controlled setting
  • Skill-building: Developing coping strategies to manage distress and promote resilience
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.