CPT provides a way to understand why recovery from traumatic events is difficult and how symptoms of PTSD affect daily life. The focus is on identifying how traumatic experiences change thoughts and beliefs, and how thoughts influence current feelings and behaviors. An important part of the treatment is addressing ways of thinking that might keep individuals “stuck” and get in the way of recovery from symptoms of PTSD and other problems.
Last reviewed: 2023
Intended Outcomes:
Intended outcomes for CPT:
- Improve understanding of PTSD
- Reduce distress about memories of the trauma
- Decrease emotional numbing (i.e., difficulty feeling feelings) and avoidance of trauma reminders
- Reduce feelings of being tense or “on edge”
- Decrease depression, anxiety, guilt or shame
- Improve day-to-day living
Continuum of Care:
Treatment
Topic Areas:
Anxiety, Behavioral Health/Mental Health, Depression, Trauma
Ages:
Adult (25+), Teen/Adolescent (13-18), Young Adult (19-24)
Geographic Locations:
Rural, Urban
Delivery Settings:
Community-Based, Congregate Care Facility
Cultural Considerations:
A balanced amount of the research involved diverse populations
Audience:
Individuals experiencing symptoms of PTSD
Credentials:
Licensed Mental Health Professional, CPT Provider Status
Manuals:
Yes
Is Training Required?
Yes, see developer info
Who can provide the required training?
Developers of Cognitive Processing Therapy
Program Costs (materials, training, etc.):
Yes, refer to program website
Program/Practice Website:
https://cptforptsd.com/
Relevant Published, Peer-Reviewed Research:
Stefanie T. LoSavio, Robert A. Murphy, and Patricia A. Resick. (2021). Treatment Outcomes for Adolescents Versus Adults Receiving Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder During Community Training
Chard, K. (2005). An evaluation of Cognitive Processing Therapy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder related to childhood sexual abuse. Journal of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, 73(5), 965-971.https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-
Resick, P. A., Galovski, T. A., Uhlmansiek, M. O., Scher, C. D., Clum, G. A., & Young-Xu, Y. (2008). A randomized clinical trial to dismantle components of Cognitive Processing Therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in female victims of interpersonal violence. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76, 243-258. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-
Butollo, W., Karl, R., Konig, J., & Rosner, R. (2016). A randomized controlled trial of Dialogical Exposure Therapy versus Cognitive Processing Therapy for adult outpatients suffering from PTSD after Type I trauma in adulthood. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 85(1), 16-26.https://doi.org/10.1159/
Resick, P. A., Wachen, J. S., Dondanville, K. A., Pruiksma, K. E., Yarvis, J. S., Peterson, A. L., Mintz, J., & the STRONG STAR Consortium. (2017). Effect of group vs. individual cognitive processing therapy in active-duty military seeking treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 74, 28-36.https://doi.org/10.1001/
Additional Sources:
WV Rating:
Well-Supported by Research
»WV Ratings Info
Rationale for Rating:
Articles reviewed showed evidence of positive outcomes for adolescent and adult population. Research included meta-analyses and several peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials for adolescents and young adults.
Contraindications or Concerns:
None identified
Other Registries/Ratings
The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare:
Well-Supported by Research Evidence
Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development:
Not On Registry
Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness:
Not On Registry
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Model Programs Guide:
Effective - One study
Washington State Institute for Public Policy:
Not On Registry