The Power of CPT
Cognitive Processing Therapy is an evidence-based, manualized treatment that has been proven to reduce trauma symptoms. Originally developed by Dr. Patricia Resick in the 1980s to treat PTSD, CPT is now a widely accepted treatment modality that we utilize with clients at Well Williamsburg regularly.
CPT is a 12-week process during which clients learn to identify unhelpful thought patterns or "stuck points" and how to challenge them. When a traumatic event occurs, natural emotions like fear, horror, or anger are often experienced. Subsequently, our minds attempt to understand why the event occurred and how to prevent its recurrence. Consequently, clients may become stuck in a cycle of rumination, trying to decipher their role in causing the event or how it could have been prevented.
Alex Zipkis, LMHC, a clinician at Well Williamsburg, is leading an in-person, 13-week CPT group at our psychotherapy office in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. We sat down with Alex to gain insight into her work with CPT and its potential benefits for individuals who have experienced trauma.
What is trauma?
“Although contrary to the DSM-5’s description, we don’t necessarily need to have a trauma diagnosis in order to identify as someone who has been impacted by some significant or horrifying event that has happened in our lives. Trauma to me is just recognizing how negative events impact the way we view ourselves, the world, and others.”
When do you like to use CPT with clients?
“I use CPT with clients when someone is stuck in their shame about an event or their interpretation of an event has led to them feeling stuck in some way. CPT is about thoughts and behaviors, so I look to see thought or behavior patterns that clients are stuck in that may or may not be servicing them anymore.
What can clients expect when starting CPT work?
“CPT is generally a 12-week protocol but in our group we have 13 weeks so that we can have one culmination week to reflect on progress or changes during the group. The 12-week program is centered on client learnings and provides clients the tools to manage continued healing, individually. Clients should anticipate weekly homework assignments to practice learned tools. It is an empowering therapy modality because over the course of 12-weeks you will learn different skills and come away with an understanding of how to be more compassionate towards yourself and even how to practice behaviors that you wouldn’t normally (i.e. going to a party when you have social anxiety).”
What have you found the main benefits of CPT to be?
“Clients typically report a sense of freedom after doing CPT and no longer feel trapped by their thoughts. Clients report seeing the world in a way that isn’t as scary, dark, or overwhelming.”
What are the benefits of doing CPT in a group format?
“In a group format, the benefits of CPT are to share experiences with others in a meaningful way. We don’t have to do this work alone and can support each other through the hard moments, together.”