Cognitive Processing Therapy for Trauma Survivors: A Guide from New Age Psychiatry
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a highly effective treatment for trauma survivors, helping individuals overcome the negative cognitive processes that arise from acute or chronic trauma.
Trauma survivors often feel like they are “on autopilot,” navigating life through fear and weakness. CPT offers strategies to “relearn how to drive,” moving from automatic responses to mindful, empowered living.
3-Stage Cognitive Processing Therapy for Trauma Recovery
CPT is typically structured in three stages:
1. Stabilization: This initial stage focuses on identifying negative cognitive patterns related to trauma. Clients rank their most distressing beliefs and utilize the “float back” technique to connect these beliefs to past traumatic events. Stabilization also includes the development of coping mechanisms and emotional regulation skills, alongside the identification of valuable recovery resources like supportive relationships and personal strengths.
2. Processing/Reprocessing: During this stage, traumatic memories are explored and reframed with
the therapist’s guidance. The therapist helps dissect the memories that fuel emotional responses
and destructive thought cycles, offering support and encouragement throughout the process.
Revisiting recovery resources is essential for overcoming resistance and promoting emotional
healing.
3. Reintegration: The final stage focuses on preventing relapse into old trauma responses. As trauma survivors process residual symptoms, they gain control over their past experiences, enabling them to reintegrate their personality. Relapse prevention resources, such as self-soothing techniques and supportive networks, are key to long-term recovery.
Breaking Free from Destructive Patterns One of the primary goals of Cognitive Processing Therapy is to help trauma survivors break free from old cognitive and behavioral patterns. By creating a new narrative, survivors can overcome fear, anger, guilt, and insecurity. This new way of thinking empowers individuals to live in the present, no longer controlled by past traumas or negative emotions.
Maintaining Control with Mindfulness
Mindfulness plays a crucial role in Cognitive Processing Therapy, helping trauma survivors maintain an internal locus of control. By staying present and recognizing negative thoughts, survivors can interrupt dysfunctional cycles and refocus their mindset. Mindfulness offers PTSD survivors the ability to manage distressing thoughts through techniques like compartmentalization and mantras.
At New Age Psychiatry, we guide clients through this process, helping them develop self-empowering strategies that foster resilience, growth, and emotional well-being. Our approach emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, self-talk, and creating a new narrative to rebuild one’s sense of self and future optimism.
Contact New Age Psychiatry today to learn more about how Cognitive Processing Therapy can help you regain control over your life after trauma.
