Photo of Ji Eun Ko, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94596, CA
Ji Eun Ko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re here because you are feeling disconnected from who you are, experiencing conflict in your important relationships, generally feel down and lost, or are just plainly curious about therapy, you’ve come to the right place. No matter what intersection of our identities we hold, and our unique history of lived experiences, all of us live through times where life just feels a little bit (or a lot bit) hard. Maybe you’ve lived in that difficult space for so long, it feels like your normal. Or maybe it’s really uncommon for you, that when it does happen, it feels like a shock to your system.
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re here because you are feeling disconnected from who you are, experiencing conflict in your important relationships, generally feel down and lost, or are just plainly curious about therapy, you’ve come to the right place. No matter what intersection of our identities we hold, and our unique history of lived experiences, all of us live through times where life just feels a little bit (or a lot bit) hard. Maybe you’ve lived in that difficult space for so long, it feels like your normal. Or maybe it’s really uncommon for you, that when it does happen, it feels like a shock to your system.
(619) 473-2893 View (619) 473-2893
Cognitive Processing (CPT) Therapists

How does cognitive processing therapy work?

A CPT therapist helps a client evaluate their thoughts about the trauma they experienced, focusing on maladaptive or self-blaming thoughts that can exacerbate symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, or depression. The therapist will work with a client to help them learn to challenge such thoughts and consider different perspectives. The therapist is also likely to ask a client to work on these techniques at home between meetings, such as writing an account of their trauma that can be read aloud during a future session.

What is cognitive processing therapy for PTSD?

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy primarily used in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to treat individuals who experienced abuse or violence, who survived natural disasters, who were first responders to such incidents, or who otherwise experienced trauma.

How long does cognitive processing therapy last?

CPT is a short-term therapy. Whether conducted one-on-one or in a group, a complete set of CPT sessions typically includes 12 weekly sessions, along with tasks for clients to complete at home, although this can vary depending on a client’s needs or a therapist’s particular treatment plan. Sessions typically last 60 or 90 minutes.

How effective is cognitive processing therapy?

A large body of research supports the use of CPT to treat people experiencing PTSD, finding it to be effective among different age groups, either in one-on-one therapy sessions or in a group therapy environment. Research suggests that although the initial sessions may be difficult, clients tend to begin to feel positive progress after the first few sessions, and that the benefits tend to last well after the therapy ends.