Ancestral roots: The origins of CPT

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is primarily based on cognitive theory, which suggests that the way we interpret or make meaning of events influences our beliefs and emotions and, ultimately, our well-being. The way we view the world, others, and ourselves is critical in how we are able to interact and function in our environments and relationships. Exposure to traumatic events presents us with new information that can shatter existing beliefs. If we cannot find a way to integrate the new trauma information, then we may get stuck in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CPT provides patients the opportunity to engage with their trauma memory in a safe environment, examine what they are telling themselves, and (if these thoughts are not accurate) change their minds based on real evidence. As patients develop more balanced and accurate beliefs about why the trauma happened and beliefs about themselves, the world and others, they feel better and can recover from PTSD.