Healing from Trauma: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD & C-PTSD
Is your trauma holding you back?
If you've experienced trauma, whether from a single event or prolonged exposure, the emotional and physical toll it takes can be overwhelming. PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) are not just labels—they are real conditions that can deeply affect your mental health, relationships, and daily life. But there is hope, and healing is possible with the right therapeutic support.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD and C-PTSD, designed to help you reframe traumatic memories and beliefs, regain control of your life, and heal at your own pace.
What Is Trauma and How Does It Impact You?
Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event. When trauma occurs, your nervous system is activated to protect you from harm. However, this heightened state of stress often lingers far beyond the traumatic event itself, creating a lasting impact. Over time, trauma can manifest in various ways, including:
• Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
• Avoidance of reminders or emotions related to the trauma
• Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected
• Hypervigilance or constantly feeling "on edge"
These effects can disrupt your ability to feel safe, connected, and present in your life. The good news is that trauma doesn’t have to control your life forever—therapy, like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), can help you process and heal.
Understanding PTSD and CPTSDPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing a single traumatic event, such as:
• A car accident
• Physical or sexual assault
• Natural disasters
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), on the other hand, results from chronic or repeated trauma, often occurring in childhood or abusive relationships. It involves the same core symptoms as PTSD, but also includes:
• Emotion regulation difficulties
• Negative self-concept (e.g., shame, guilt)
• Interpersonal difficulties (e.g., fear of abandonment, mistrust)
Understanding the differences between PTSD and C-PTSD is crucial for healing, as the treatment strategies for each condition can vary.
What is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)?
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment that specifically targets trauma-related thoughts and beliefs. It was developed for the treatment of PTSD and has been proven effective for individuals dealing with both PTSD and C-PTSD.
CPT works by helping you identify and challenge distorted thoughts that stem from your traumatic experiences. These negative beliefs often include feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame, and CPT helps you replace them with healthier, more accurate beliefs.
CPT is widely recognized as a first-line (gold standard) treatment for both PTSD and CPTSD because it directly addresses the underlying thoughts and beliefs that contribute to ongoing emotional distress.
How Does CPT Help?
CPT helps you process trauma in a way that doesn’t involve reliving every detail of the traumatic experience. Instead, the focus is on addressing the beliefs and thought patterns that arose from the trauma, which continue to affect your emotional and psychological well-being today.
Key techniques in CPT include:
• Cognitive Restructuring: Identifying negative thoughts related to the trauma and replacing them with healthier perspectives.
• Trauma Narratives: Gradually confronting and processing the trauma in a safe, controlled manner, without needing to re-experience it.
• Challenging Core Beliefs: Working through beliefs like “I am unworthy” or “I am not safe” to regain control over your emotional responses.
The Benefits of CPT for Trauma Recovery
CPT helps you regain a sense of control and safety, empowering you to:
• Reduce emotional distress and symptoms of PTSD
• Reframe negative beliefs and develop a healthier worldview
• Build emotional resilience and self-compassion
• Improve relationships by healing from past trauma
Why Choose CPT for Healing from PTSD and C-PTSD?
CPT is a highly effective treatment for trauma, specifically designed to address both PTSD and C-PTSD. It doesn’t require you to re-live the trauma in detail but instead focuses on shifting the harmful beliefs and thoughts that keep you stuck in the past.
Unlike other therapies, CPT empowers you to identify your thought patterns, process your trauma, and rebuild a healthier sense of self—without judgment, blame, or shame.
What to Expect in CPT Therapy
CPT typically involves 12-16 sessions, with each session focusing on identifying and changing trauma-related thoughts. In our work together, you can expect:
• A safe space to explore your trauma and emotions
• Psychoeducation to help you understand how trauma affects your thoughts and behaviors
• Practical tools and coping strategies to help you process distressing thoughts
• A structured approach that gradually helps you reframe your trauma-related beliefs
Ready to begin your healing journey?
If you're ready to break free from the impact of trauma and reclaim your life, I'm here to guide you through the process. Let’s work together to build a healthier, more empowered you through Cognitive Processing Therapy.
Contact me today to schedule a free consultation and take your first step toward healing.
Related Articles/Resources
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): A Proven Approach to Healing Trauma
Healing from Complex PTSD: Understanding Symptoms & Recovery
Healing PTSD with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
What is PTSD? Understanding the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Why Am I So Numb All the Time? Understanding Emotional Numbness After Trauma
Understanding the Difference Between PTSD and Complex PTSD
Healing from Complex PTSD: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Healing Childhood Trauma with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Healing PTSD Without Reliving Trauma: How Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Can Help
All therapy sessions take place online via a secure Zoom link, ensuring confidentiality and convenience. Each session is 50 minutes long. Online therapy allows you to access support from the comfort of your home, no matter where you are located in Europe or beyond.
In our work together, I use a combination of evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to your specific needs. Here's an overview of the therapies I offer to help you navigate complex challenges and improve your mental health:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): An effective, evidence-based approach to help you understand and change negative thought patterns. Through CBT, we identify harmful thoughts and replace them with healthier, realistic perspectives. This therapy is widely used to treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Particularly helpful for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and increasing emotional regulation. DBT offers essential tools like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): A therapeutic approach that helps you accept difficult emotions and move forward, even when discomfort arises. ACT is great for building resilience and living in alignment with your values, regardless of external challenges.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): A specific form of CBT, CPT is especially effective for trauma-related conditions like PTSD and CPTSD. This therapy focuses on challenging and reframing unhelpful beliefs that stem from trauma, helping you process and move beyond past experiences.
Motivational Interviewing (MI): A goal-oriented therapy designed to explore your motivations for change, uncovering personal reasons and strengthening your commitment to positive change. It's especially helpful for those feeling ambivalent or uncertain about making life changes.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Involves tuning into the present moment to increase awareness and acceptance. Mindfulness helps you reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and cultivate self-compassion.
Yoga Therapy: Combines physical yoga practices with therapeutic techniques to calm the nervous system, improve emotional regulation, and reconnect you to your body. It is especially effective for those dealing with trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress.
A trauma-informed approach means that therapy is provided with an understanding of how trauma impacts your thoughts, emotions, body, and relationships. My approach centers on creating a safe and supportive environment where you can explore the effects of trauma, learn tools for emotional regulation, and work toward healing at your own pace. I offer trauma-informed care to help clients feel safe, seen, and respected.
During our initial consultation, we will discuss your unique needs and goals. Based on your experience, we will determine the most suitable therapeutic approach, which may evolve as we work together. Whether you need trauma recovery, emotional regulation, or help with relationship dynamics, I’ll guide you through a personalized plan that aligns with your healing process.
The duration of therapy depends on your unique needs and goals. Some clients may find relief after just a few sessions, especially when working on specific issues or challenges. Others may choose to continue therapy for a longer period to explore deeper patterns or address more complex concerns.
For example:
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)Typically, this structured trauma-focused therapy lasts around 12 weeks. It's ideal for those dealing with trauma, PTSD, or trauma-related symptoms.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)This approach is often a longer-term commitment, with a typical program lasting 25 weeks. It focuses on emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance, making it well-suited for individuals managing complex emotional challenges.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)The length of CBT depends on your individual needs and goals. Some clients may complete their therapy in 8 to 12 sessions, while others may extend their work if they’re addressing ongoing anxiety, depression, or behavioral patterns.
Ultimately, therapy is a personalized journey, and we'll decide together what pace works best for you. Whether you're looking for short-term support or longer-term growth, we’ll ensure the therapy process is tailored to meet your specific needs and objectives.
The first session serves as an introductory space where we discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and your goals. We’ll also explore what has felt overwhelming and what changes you hope to see. This session is about building trust and establishing a plan that works for you, with a focus on creating a safe space for you to express yourself.
Session Fees: Each 50-minute online session is €90. I offer a sliding scale for clients who are outside Western Europe or students facing financial hardship. Please reach out during the consultation to discuss your specific needs.
Follow-up Resources: After each session, I provide detailed follow-up emails with personalized homework, psychoeducation, and tools to support your progress.
Cancellation Fees:
Cancellations within 48 hours of the scheduled session incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Cancellations within 24 hours incur a full session fee.
Therapy is a collaborative process, and you will be actively involved in it. As we work together, I will provide you with practical tools, techniques, and feedback to support your healing and growth. We will regularly check in to assess progress, adjust goals, and ensure that therapy remains beneficial for you. Each 50-minute online session is €90. I offer a sliding scale for clients who are outside Western Europe or students facing financial hardship. Please reach out during the cons