Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Trauma Process - Group Therapy

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a cognitive-behavioral therapy (treatment that focuses on thoughts and feelings) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and related conditions. CPT provides a way to understand why recovery from traumatic events is difficult and how symptoms of PTSD affect daily life. The focus is on identifying how traumatic experiences change thoughts and beliefs, and how thoughts influence current feelings and behaviors. An important part of the treatment is addressing ways of thinking that might keep individuals "stuck" and get in the way of recovery from symptoms of PTSD and other problems.

  • Date/time:

  • Starts:

  • Length: 12 weeks

  • How to refer new clients:

    • If client, click below “I’m interested in this group” button.

    • If therapist, please provide client contact information and inform client that they should expect an email/call from Dr. Taylor Damiani OR have client contact me.

    • Client will have an individual 45 minute intake/orientation session to further determine fit for group

    • Client and provider will be informed of clinical fit after screening session 

    • *Client must be connected to individual therapist

Group Goals:

  • Improve understanding of PTSD  

  • Reduce distress about memories of the trauma  

  • Decrease emotional numbing (i.e., difficulty feeling feelings) and avoidance of trauma reminders  

  • Reduce feelings of being tense or "on edge"  

  • Decrease depression, anxiety, guilt or shame  

  • Improve day-to-day living

Not appropriate for group

  • Client does not have individual therapist

  • Active psychosis

  • Active substance use disorders

  • Active suicidal ideation with plan/intent

  • PCL-5 score higher than 45

  • Sub-threshold criteria for PTSD

  • Trauma related stressor dx

  • PTSD dx

  • A desire to address trauma symptoms

  • Max of 2 session absences

*Clients may have co-occurring diagnoses

Appropriate for group

Group Format

  1. Introduction and Education Phase 

  2. The Meaning of the Event 

  3. Identification of Thoughts and Feelings 

  4. Identification of Thoughts and Feelings Cont’d 

  5. Challenging Questions Worksheet 

  6. Problematic Thinking Patterns 

  7. Challenging Beliefs Worksheet 

  8. Safety

  9. Trust

  10. Power & Control

  11. Esteem

  12. Intimacy & Meaning of the Event