CPT for Trauma & Stuck Points

Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck in a loop of "stuck points"—those rigid, often painful thoughts that hold them captive to their past. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a highly effective, evidence based approach I use to help you identify these thoughts and challenge the power they have over your current life.

Identifying Your 'Stuck Points'

Trauma often leaves us with unhelpful beliefs about safety, trust, power, control, and esteem. You might find yourself constantly on guard or assuming the worst of others—these are "stuck points" that your brain created to protect you, but which now limit your life. Think of CPT as a structured "mental audit." For high-achievers and logically-minded individuals, this process provides a clear framework to examine these deeply ingrained beliefs and regain the cognitive flexibility needed to thrive.

The Structured Approach

CPT is typically a 12-session, evidence-based framework designed to treat trauma and PTSD systematically. During our work together, we focus heavily on Cognitive Restructuring—the process of identifying and challenging the distorted thoughts that fuel distress. You will start by writing an Impact Statement, which helps us understand how the trauma has affected your beliefs about yourself, others, and the world. From there, we systematically untangle these thoughts, creating a healthier, more balanced perspective without requiring you to repeatedly recount the painful details of the trauma itself.

Why CPT is Effective for Trauma

When you have experienced trauma, your brain has likely spent years perfecting the habit of self-blame or extreme vigilance. CPT provides a concrete, step by step framework to dismantle these habits. It allows us to process the trauma without forcing you to recount every painful detail, focusing instead on the meaning you attached to those events.

Is CPT Right for You?

CPT is ideal for adults who feel that their past experiences are interfering with their present quality of life. Whether you are dealing with PTSD, chronic worry, or the heavy weight of perfectionism, this approach provides the tools to:

• Reduce the intensity of painful emotions like shame and guilt.
• Challenge the inner critic that insists you must be "the strong one" to stay safe.
• Create mental space for a life defined by your own values, not by your past triggers.

My goal in using CPT is to ensure you feel empowered and in control of your healing process. We work at your pace, ensuring that you have the tools to navigate your thoughts and feelings long after our session ends.

Frequently Asked Questions