Reclaiming Your Life After Trauma
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment specifically designed to help people recover from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the effects of trauma. It focuses on how traumatic experiences can shape unhelpful beliefs about yourself, others, and the world, and how these beliefs can keep you feeling stuck.
Through CPT, you will learn to identify and gently challenge these trauma-related beliefs, developing a more balanced understanding of what happened and its meaning for your life today. This process can help reduce distressing symptoms and support you in moving forward with greater confidence and stability.
Benefits of CPT
Many of us who have experienced trauma find ourselves caught in unhelpful beliefs, such as self-blame, mistrust, or a sense that the world is no longer safe. These beliefs can keep painful memories and symptoms alive long after the traumatic event has passed.
If you are experiencing intrusive memories, heightened anxiety, avoidance, or persistent low mood following trauma, CPT can help.
Benefits of CPT include:
Reduced PTSD Symptoms: A significant decrease in intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and hyperarousal associated with trauma.
More Balanced Beliefs: Challenging unhelpful thoughts about blame, trust, and safety to develop a more accurate and compassionate perspective.
Reduced Avoidance: Feeling more able to engage with people, places, and activities you may have been avoiding.
Greater Emotional Stability: Improved ability to manage difficult emotions connected to the trauma.
Through dedicated support and consistent effort, CPT can help you:
Reduce the Impact of Symptoms: Experience a significant decrease in the frequency and severity of your distress.
Build a Renewed Sense of Safety: Restore trust in yourself, others, and the world around you.
Cultivate Well-Being: Build emotional resilience, experience increased happiness, and achieve a more fulfilling life.
Taking the first step towards CPT is a courageous and empowering decision that can unlock your full potential and help you manage your challenges effectively.
How CPT Works
CPT typically begins with education about PTSD and how traumatic experiences can shape the way you think about yourself, others, and the world.
You will then learn to identify specific “stuck points,” the unhelpful beliefs that have developed as a result of the trauma, such as self-blame or difficulty trusting others.
Through guided worksheets and structured discussion, you will practise examining and challenging these beliefs, gradually replacing them with more balanced and accurate ways of thinking.
Your therapist will discuss the most suitable approach for you and work collaboratively with you to shape the course of your treatment.
What to Expect
CPT is a collaborative process between you and a qualified therapist. It involves:
Building Trust and Rapport: Creating a safe and supportive environment where you can openly discuss your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Learning About Trauma and PTSD: Understanding how traumatic events affect thoughts, emotions, and behaviour.
Identifying Stuck Points: Recognising the unhelpful beliefs that developed in response to the trauma.
Challenging and Reframing Beliefs: Working through guided exercises to develop more balanced, accurate ways of thinking.
Monitoring Progress: Regularly reflecting on your progress and adjusting the approach as needed.
How to Access the Service
To begin therapy, please get in touch with our friendly administrative team via our contact page, phone, or email address and we will send you an intake form and our information sheet and consent form to start the intake process.
You do not need a referral to book an initial appointment, however you may want to discuss your needs with your general practitioner (GP) to determine if you qualify for Medicare funding, which can cover up to ten sessions with a Mental Health Care Plan. In such cases, you would need a referral. Additionally, private health insurance rebates may be available through your provider.