Overcoming Trauma with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Trauma can shape the way you see yourself, others, and the world—often in ways that feel overwhelming and limiting. If you find yourself stuck in painful memories, avoiding certain situations, or struggling with guilt and self-blame, you’re not alone. At Values First Therapy, I specialize in helping young professionals and students process trauma, reclaim their sense of safety, and move forward with confidence. I've found that clients are amazed by how quickly and simply they can heal from terrible life events if they're willing to put in the work.

I use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a research-backed, highly effective treatment approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for trauma recovery. In seven structured sessions, CPT provides a clear, practical path to healing—without requiring you to relive your trauma in detail.

What Is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)?

CPT is a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) designed to help you reframe unhelpful beliefs about your trauma. Instead of avoiding painful thoughts or memories, CPT helps you examine and shift the patterns that keep you feeling stuck.

Through structured sessions, you’ll learn how to:

  1. Understand how trauma affects your thoughts and emotions

  2. Identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns

  3. Reduce feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame

  4. Regain control over your life without being defined by past events

CPT is evidence-based, time-efficient, and focused on lasting change—making it an excellent choice for high-achieving individuals who want a structured approach to healing.

How Does CPT Work?

CPT follows a step by step plan of seven core sessions, with additional modules available based on your needs.

  1. Understanding Your Trauma Response – Learn how trauma has impacted your thoughts and emotions.

  2. Identifying Stuck Points – Recognize unhelpful beliefs that keep you feeling trapped.

  3. Challenging and Reshaping Beliefs – Use proven techniques to shift self-blame, guilt, and fear.

  4. Breaking Free from Avoidance – Gain confidence in facing thoughts and situations you’ve been avoiding.

  5. Strengthening New Perspectives – Apply these changes to daily life for long-term healing.

Unlike some trauma therapies, CPT does not require you to repeatedly relive or talk about every detail of your traumatic experience—instead, it focuses on shifting the way you think about it so you can move forward.

Why Choose Values First Therapy for Trauma Treatment?

Specialized, Evidence-Based Care

CPT is backed by decades of research and used by leading trauma treatment providers, including the VA and Department of Defense. I bring this scientifically proven approach to private practice, offering structured, effective care tailored to your needs.

A Practical and Time-Efficient Approach

CPT is designed to be goal-oriented and results-driven, with most clients experiencing significant progress in weeks. The structured format ensures that you leave each session with practical tools—not just a conversation.

A Balance of Expertise and Understanding

Trauma can make you feel disconnected, but therapy shouldn’t. You’ll find a professional and supportive environment where we focus on solutions, not just symptoms. My approach is clear, empathic, and tailored to motivated individuals like you who want to understand and overcome their trauma.

Is CPT Right for You?

CPT can be a highly effective treatment if you:

  • Experience persistent thoughts or emotions tied to past trauma

  • Struggle with self-blame, guilt, or fear related to the event

  • Avoid certain people, places, or situations due to trauma-related anxiety

  • Feel ready to process your trauma in a structured, evidence-based way

If you’re unsure, call for a free consultation to discuss whether CPT is the right fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About CPT

  • CPT is a structured, evidence-based approach that focuses on shifting unhelpful thinking patterns related to trauma. Unlike Prolonged Exposure, it doesn’t require you to repeatedly discuss the details of your trauma. Instead, it helps you develop a new perspective so that trauma no longer defines your present or future.

  • Yes. CPT has been shown effective for a wide range of traumatic experiences, including childhood trauma, combat trauma, sexual assault, accidents, and more. If you’re struggling with the emotional and cognitive impact of trauma, CPT can help.

  • The core treatment typically lasts seven sessions, but additional modules can be added based on your specific needs. Many clients notice improvement within a few weeks.

  • No. CPT does not require you to recount traumatic events in depth. Instead, it focuses on identifying and changing the unhelpful beliefs that are keeping you stuck.

  • Absolutely. Many clients come to CPT after other approaches haven’t worked. Because it’s structured and solution-focused, CPT provides a fresh, effective way to process trauma.

  • It’s completely normal to feel hesitant about starting trauma therapy. If you’re unsure, we can start with a consultation to explore your concerns and see if CPT is a good fit for you.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

You don’t have to stay stuck in the past. With the right tools and support, you can reclaim your sense of safety, trust, and confidence—and start living life on your own terms again.

Schedule your first session today by clicking here or calling 832 275 1173.

Healing is possible. Let’s work together to help you move forward—not just beyond trauma, but toward the life you want to build.