What can a cognitive processing therapist help with?
A cognitive processing therapist can help people who have
experienced trauma to challenge negative thoughts and false, unhelpful beliefs and begin to repair the damage done by the traumatic event(s) while also preparing them to respond to future traumas with healthier coping mechanisms.
Who is a certified or qualified cognitive processing therapist?
A cognitive processing therapist should be trained in
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT); a therapist may have special certification in CPT but it is not required to practice the approach. A conversation with a practitioner before committing to therapy sessions can help potential clients find a professional whom they can trust, and with whom they can feel comfortable discussing difficult experiences and feelings.
What conditions can cognitive processing therapy treat?
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is used to treat adults and older adolescents with a diagnosis of
PTSD. It has been shown to help people cope after a trauma but it has also been effective for those who anticipate further traumatic experiences, such as military personnel, first responders, and emergency medical workers, because it helps people learn how to reframe the way they interpret and process difficult events. It is not recommended, and not typically used to treat, individuals with substance use disorder, suicidal ideation, or bipolar disorder.
How can I recognize a good cognitive processing therapist?
A good cognitive processing therapist understands that sessions can be difficult and intense for clients, particularly when they are asked to talk about the traumas they experienced, but also that this discomfort should ease as they help clients learn to manage their thoughts and feelings. The therapist should help clients identify inaccurate or unhelpful thoughts and thought patterns that prevent them from emotionally recovering from their experiences and practice strategies to correct and move away from those notions.