Understanding PTSD and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape, or other violent personal assault. PTSD is characterized by symptoms such as intrusive memories of the trauma, avoidance of reminders of the event, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.

How Common is PTSD, and What are its Consequences?

PTSD affects a significant portion of individuals who experience trauma, with prevalence rates varying depending on the populations studied and the types of traumatic exposure. The consequences of untreated PTSD can be severe, including chronic mental health issues, impaired social functioning, and increased risk for other psychological disorders, substance abuse, and physical health problems.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Its Focus on Core Beliefs

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a cognitive-behavioral treatment for PTSD that focuses on how the traumatic event is construed and coped with by the individual. CPT specifically targets maladaptive beliefs related to personal safety, self-trust, and trust in others, which are often profoundly affected by traumatic experiences.

Maladaptive Beliefs in PTSD Related to CPT Themes

1. Personal Safety: “The world is an entirely dangerous place, and I can’t protect myself.”
2. Self-Trust: “I can’t trust my judgment because I didn’t prevent the trauma.”
3. Trust in Others: “Others cannot be trusted; they will betray or hurt me.”

Adaptive Beliefs to Foster Recovery

1. Personal Safety: “While there are dangers in the world, I can take precautions to protect myself without living in constant fear.”
2. Self-Trust: “I can trust my decisions and instincts. The trauma was a result of someone else’s actions, not my judgment.”
3. Trust in Others: “While some people are untrustworthy, many are reliable and kind. I can gradually learn to trust again with healthy boundaries.”

Behavioral Changes Stemming from Shifts in Beliefs

• From Maladaptive to Adaptive Thinking: An individual who previously viewed the world as overwhelmingly dangerous might start taking small, calculated risks, like going out more often, thereby reducing isolation and improving social connections.
• Rebuilding Self-Trust: By acknowledging their strengths and learning from past experiences, a person can start engaging in activities that reinforce their competence and decision-making abilities, such as taking on new responsibilities at work or in personal projects.
• Restoring Trust in Others: Through positive social interactions and gradually opening up to trustworthy people, individuals can rebuild their trust in others, enhancing their support network and emotional well-being.

Conclusion

CPT provides a powerful framework for addressing the complex aftermath of trauma, particularly with respect to the crucial areas of personal safety, self-trust, and trust in others. By carefully examining and restructuring maladaptive beliefs in these domains, individuals with PTSD can make significant strides toward recovery, regaining a sense of control and trust in their lives and the world around them.