Cognitive Processing Therapy for Trauma
Have you noticed that no matter how much time passes, your mind keeps replaying the same painful events? Maybe you feel stuck in self-blame, guilt, or shame. Trauma can create patterns of thinking that leave you questioning your worth, your choices, or even your safety.
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You don’t have to stay stuck in those thought loops—CPT offers a way to break free.
What Is CPT?
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a structured, research-backed trauma therapy proven effective for PTSD and related struggles. Instead of just “talking about it,” CPT helps you identify the unhelpful beliefs trauma left behind—and replace them with ones that support healing, safety, and self-compassion.
How CPT Helps
CPT is especially helpful if you struggle with:
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Constant guilt or shame about what happened.
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Blaming yourself for things outside your control.
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Feeling unsafe or on edge, even when you know you’re safe.
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Difficulty trusting yourself or others.
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Thoughts like, “It was my fault,” or “I should’ve done something different.”
What to Expect in CPT Sessions
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A clear structure: We’ll follow a step-by-step process designed to help you shift unhelpful beliefs.
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Practical tools: You’ll learn exercises you can use outside of therapy.
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Real change: The goal is more than “managing symptoms”—it’s about freeing yourself from the mental weight of trauma.
Why CPT at Authentic Healing?
I don’t just hand you worksheets or expect you to “think positive.” We dig to the root of where your beliefs got tangled, work through them safely, and build new, healthier patterns of thinking. CPT gives you the structure, and I help you feel supported as you take each step.
Is CPT Right for Me?
CPT can be an empowering fit if:
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You want a structured, evidence-based approach.
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You’ve noticed trauma affects the way you think about yourself and the world.
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You’re ready to gently challenge the beliefs trauma left behind.
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Not sure if CPT is right for you? That’s okay—we’ll talk through your options. I also use EMDR, IFS, and other trauma therapies to find the best fit for your healing.
CPT FAQs
What is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)? CPT is a type of trauma therapy that helps you identify and change the unhelpful beliefs trauma left behind. Instead of getting stuck in guilt, shame, or self-blame, CPT gives you practical tools to see your experiences differently and move forward with more freedom and peace.
How is CPT different from regular talk therapy? While talk therapy can provide support, CPT is a structured, evidence-based approach specifically designed for PTSD and trauma. It focuses on how trauma changes your thoughts and beliefs, then helps you gently challenge and reframe them so you can heal at the root—rather than just managing symptoms.
Does CPT really work for trauma and PTSD? Yes. Research shows that CPT is one of the most effective treatments for trauma and PTSD. Many people notice improvements in a matter of weeks, especially when they practice the skills between sessions. It’s been proven to reduce symptoms like flashbacks, guilt, and hypervigilance.
Is CPT offered online in North Dakota and Minnesota? Yes—at Authentic Healing FM, I provide online CPT sessions across North Dakota and Minnesota. Virtual therapy is secure, private, and just as effective as in-person sessions, so you can begin healing from the comfort of home.
