CPT in Waterdown, Ontario

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) was developed for persons living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). CPT aims to target PTSD symptoms over approximately 14 weekly sessions.

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Where CPT begins

Understanding your symptoms first

CPT begins with providing education to clients about PTSD, fostering an understanding of their symptoms, trauma recovery, the fight-flight-freeze response, cognitive theory, and emotions. The education component of CPT is important because it introduces rationale for treatment.

What we work toward

The goals of CPT

To recognize and modify thoughts and feelings that may be unhelpful
To feel your emotions about the event
To change beliefs enough to accept it
To accept the reality of the event

Understanding PTSD

The three symptom clusters

The symptoms of PTSD fall into three clusters. Recognizing which are most present for you helps shape the work.

Re-experiencing

Re-experiencing the event, for example nightmares, flashbacks, and intrusive memories.

Arousal

The experience of strong emotional and physical reactions, particularly when reminded of the event.

Avoidance

Avoidance of people, places, or things that are reminders of the event, or avoidance in response to intrusive memories and emotional reactions.

A note on avoidance

CPT anticipates avoidance and we begin to discuss the connection between anxiety and avoidance in the first session. Avoidance can interfere with treatment outcomes since the therapeutic benefit is dependent on client engagement. The two most common types of avoidance in CPT are not showing up to appointments and not completing the practice assignments.

Serving Waterdown and the surrounding area

Lotus Counselling Services provides CPT for trauma and PTSD from our Waterdown clinic at 299 Dundas Street East, with appointments available to clients across Hamilton, Burlington, Flamborough, Dundas, and the wider Golden Horseshoe. We offer both in-person sessions and secure virtual appointments throughout Ontario, so you can meet with a therapist from wherever feels most comfortable.