Cognitive Processing Therapy

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to help individuals recover from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions. It focuses on helping patients identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to trauma, which can often lead to ongoing negative effects on their lives.

Our thoughts - or cognitions - play a tremendous role in how we feel and subsequently behave. When we become more aware of our thoughts, and when we can analyze them without judgement, we can challenge the negative distortions and the shoulds/woulds that stymie us. Often from a very young age, many people are told harmful things about themselves that might not be true but which they accept as gospel anyway. The tools that I share help my clients free themselves.

If you are experiencing PTSD, please know it is highly treatable. I hold provider status in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) which is a forn of Cognitive Behavior Therapy specifically designed to treat PTSD. Clients consistently share with me what a difference CPT has made in helping them recover from PTSD. CPT is a gold standard treatment approved for military service members by the VA. It was originally designed for use with sexual abuse survivors.

CPT is a well-researched, manualized therapy proven to significantly reduce symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is generally delivered over 12 sessions and helps clients learn how to challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. Other than the first session, 7 sheets of homework are assigned between each session.

Amanda has advanced training in CPT and has successfully helped many struggling with PTSD

If you are experiencing PTSD, please know it is highly treatable. I hold Provider Status in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) which is a forn of Cognitive Behavior Therapy specifically designed to treat PTSD. Clients consistently share with me what a difference CPT has made in helping them recover from PTSD. CPT is a gold standard treatment approved for military service members by the VA. It was originally designed for use with sexual abuse survivors.

I trained with Dr. Kathleen Chard, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, and co-author of CPT for PTSD. I also engaged in weekly supervision for certification in CPT following the training with Dr. Chard.

Identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs regarding trauma can provide a path to more freedom in our lives, and I like that CPT does not require us to relive the traumatic experiences in a drawn-out narrative.

I incorporate Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help you work through trauma and distressing experiences. CPT encourages you to recount your traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment. This storytelling process helps you confront and articulate your thoughts and feelings about the trauma. Sharing practical advice and strategies is a key part of "spilling the tea." Similarly, CPT equips you with adaptive coping strategies to manage distressing thoughts and feelings.

I've been practicing CPT since 2022. I pursued training beyond the requirements for practicing, and obtained Provider Status. I've seen people make incredible progress in healing from trauma with CPT!

Our thoughts - or cognitions - play a tremendous role in how we feel and subsequently behave. When we become more aware of our thoughts, and when we can analyze them without judgement, we can challenge the negative distortions and the shoulds/woulds that stymie us. Often from a very young age, many people are told harmful things about themselves that might not be true but which they accept as gospel anyway. The tools that I share help my clients free themselves.

Cognitive Processing Therapy is seen as the gold standard PTSD treatment and one that is used throughout academic medical centers. I completed a specialized post-doctoral fellowship in utilizing this treatment along with Prolonged Exposure to treat PTSD holistically and effectively.

Attended 2 day intensive training by CPT co-developer Dr. Kathleen Chard. Completed 19 hours of CPT group consultation with Dr. Alexandra Macdonald Pending CPT provider status