Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in San Antonio, TX
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based, trauma-focused form of cognitive behavioral therapy designed to help individuals recover from the emotional impact of traumatic experiences. CPT supports people in understanding how trauma affects their thoughts and beliefs, and it provides tools to challenge and change patterns that keep them feeling stuck.
Trauma can alter the way people view themselves, others, and the world. CPT helps individuals process these changes so they can move forward with greater clarity, balance, and emotional safety.
What Is Cognitive Processing Therapy?
CPT is a structured, time-limited therapy originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is based on the idea that trauma can disrupt beliefs related to safety, trust, control, self-worth, and intimacy. When these beliefs become rigid or distorted, they can maintain trauma-related distress.
Rather than focusing on reliving the traumatic event, CPT emphasizes understanding and reframing the meanings people assign to what happened. The goal is to help individuals process the trauma in a way that reduces distress and restores a sense of empowerment.
How Cognitive Processing Therapy Works
CPT typically follows a structured format and includes both in-session work and between-session practice. Key components include:
Education: Learning how trauma affects the brain, emotions, and thinking patterns
Identifying “Stuck Points”: Recognizing unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma
Challenging Distorted Thoughts: Examining beliefs that contribute to guilt, shame, fear, or self-blame
Developing Balanced Perspectives: Replacing rigid or extreme thoughts with more accurate, flexible ones
Emotion Processing: Safely working through difficult emotions tied to traumatic memories
CPT often focuses on common trauma-related themes such as safety, trust, power and control, esteem, and intimacy. Over time, clients learn to respond to reminders of trauma with greater confidence and emotional regulation.
Who Can Benefit From Cognitive Processing Therapy?
CPT is especially beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma and are struggling with lingering emotional or cognitive effects. It is most commonly used to treat:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Trauma related to abuse, assault, or violence
Military or first-responder trauma
Medical trauma
Childhood trauma
Accident or disaster-related trauma
Complicated grief related to traumatic loss
CPT may also help with co-occurring concerns such as depression, anxiety, and difficulties with self-esteem or relationships.
Why CPT Is Effective
CPT is supported by extensive research and is considered a gold-standard treatment for PTSD. It helps individuals:
Reduce trauma-related symptoms
Understand and change unhelpful thought patterns
Build emotional resilience
Regain a sense of control and safety
Improve relationships and daily functioning
Many people find CPT empowering because it provides clear tools and structure while honoring each person’s unique experience.
Start Cognitive Processing Therapy
Healing from trauma is possible. CPT offers a supportive, evidence-based path toward understanding your experience and reclaiming your sense of self.
If you’re interested in learning whether CPT is right for you, our therapists are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a session and take the next step toward healing and recovery.