Understanding PTSD and the Role of Cognitive Processing Therapy in Treatment
Understanding PTSD and the Role of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in Treatment
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is one of the most researched and effective treatments for PTSD, helping individuals overcome the emotional and cognitive impact of trauma.
What is PTSD?
PTSD affects thoughts, emotions, and behaviour after trauma such as accidents, violence, abuse, or disaster. It disrupts daily life, safety, and relationships, often leading to intense distress.
Common Symptoms of PTSD
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks
- Avoidance of people, places, or conversations
- Negative changes in beliefs and mood
- Hyperarousal – irritability, anger, sleep issues
- Feeling unsafe, guilty, or emotionally numb
Introduction to Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT is a structured, evidence-based therapy developed specifically for trauma survivors. It focuses on identifying and modifying “stuck points”—unhelpful thoughts that prevent healing.
Goals of CPT
- Reduce trauma-related distress
- Challenge and reframe negative beliefs
- Promote healthier thinking patterns
- Improve emotional regulation
- Restore functioning in relationships and daily life
How CPT Works
CPT usually consists of 12 sessions where the therapist guides the client through structured exercises, worksheets, and discussions to process the trauma.
Key Components of CPT
- Impact Statement: Understanding how the trauma affected beliefs.
- Identifying Stuck Points: Recognizing irrational or unhelpful thoughts.
- ABC Worksheets: Connecting events, beliefs, and consequences.
- Cognitive Restructuring: Replacing harmful beliefs with accurate thoughts.
- Challenging Trauma Themes: Safety, trust, power, esteem, intimacy.
Example: Stuck Point in PTSD
Trauma: Survivor of domestic violence.
Stuck Point: “The abuse happened because I was weak.”
CPT Approach: Identify evidence against this belief, reframe it, and reduce self-blame.
Benefits of CPT for PTSD
- Significant reduction in PTSD symptoms
- Better control over emotions and triggers
- Improved relationships and communication
- Decreased guilt, shame, and self-blame
- Long-term emotional healing and resilience
Who Can Benefit from CPT?
- Survivors of physical or sexual abuse
- Accident or disaster victims
- War veterans and frontline professionals
- Domestic violence survivors
- Anyone with trauma-related cognitive distortions
தமிழில் – PTSD & CPT (சுருக்கமாக)
- PTSD – கடுமையான அனுபவத்திற்குப் பிறகு மனத்தில் ஏற்படும் பாதிப்பு.
- CPT – தவறான நம்பிக்கைகளை மாற்றி, மனதை குணப்படுத்தும் சிகிச்சை.
- Stuck Points – மனதில் சிக்கி இருக்கும் தவறான எண்ணங்கள்.
- ABC Worksheet – நிகழ்வு, நம்பிக்கை, உணர்வு இணைப்பை புரிந்துகொள்வது.
- முக்கிய நன்மை – குற்ற உணர்வு, பயம், துக்கம் குறைந்து நிம்மதி பெரும்.