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Cognitive processing therapy is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy that is effective for treating people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Feel Free Therapy provides solution-focused counselling, guidance, support, and motivational interviewing to facilitate positive psychology and personal growth to anyone who has had traumatic encounters such as abuse, violence, natural disasters, or severe panic attacks. The registered psychotherapist will build a therapeutic relationship with the victim and walk alongside the journey to help them cope with difficult emotions and increase self-esteem.
Cognitive Processing Therapy Christchurch
What is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)?
Cognitive processing therapy is a specific kind of cognitive behaviour therapy, known to reduce the symptoms of PTSD, which develops after a traumatic event like child abuse, rape, or severe accidents. CPT is usually delivered in 12 sessions, 90 minutes long, and aims to help patients learn how to modify their perspectives of the event with emotional regulation. By doing so, s/he develops a new understanding of the event, reducing its negative impact on daily life.
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Although CPT was originally rooted to help PTSD patients combat traumatic thoughts and beliefs and build better relationships, today, CPT has extended its support to individuals suffering from all types of traumas and comorbid mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
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The initial session focuses on psychoeducation to allow the patient to learn about PTSD and what to expect from the session. In subsequent sessions, the patient works with a clinical psychologist to identify the ways trauma has altered their thoughts and well-being and its influence on their feelings and reactions to develop more balanced thoughts.
How CPT Helps with Trauma and PTSD
Individuals who have encountered trauma and developed PTSD think differently about themselves and experience major changes in five key areas:
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Safety – They doubt their ability to keep themselves or others safe.
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Trust – They question their judgment or others' intentions
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Control – They may lose control of their own life or their influence on others.
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Esteem – They view themselves as “losers” or “broken.”
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Intimacy – They become incapable of connecting and building better relationships.
CPT uses evidence-based interventions and a conversational model to identify and challenge maladaptive thoughts. Through discussions and assignments, patients are encouraged to recount the traumatic details and address the negative cognitions. Finally, the therapist helps to develop alternative thoughts to reinforce positive thoughts for enhanced self-awareness, reduced PTSD symptoms, and increased trust and empathy.
Our Approach to CPT in Christchurch
At Feel Free Therapy, we aim to provide compassionate support and encouragement to individuals with unhelpful psychological blockages after a traumatic event. We focus on five key areas—safety, trust, power and control, esteem, and intimacy—to facilitate positive changes in the patient and help them recover faster. That said, we understand that every patient is different, and no traumatic experience is alike. We tailor our approach to fit each individual’s needs and blend different evidence-based practices to ensure patients gain new perspectives, develop personal strengths, and overcome the symptoms for a lasting positive change in their mental and physical health.
Book a Consultation for CPT in Christchurch
Feel Free Therapy's team is dedicated to providing compassionate support to young people and veterans. With experience in CPT, commitment therapy, removing eating disorders, imago relationship therapy, crisis management, couples counselling, and other specialty areas, we aim to provide a supportive and safe environment for your healing journey. All our therapists have completed their postgraduate diploma and training in CPT and other supportive treatments, and are registered under the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. If you are interested in knowing more about our PTSD treatment plan, feel free to book a 30-minute free consultation today.