Cognitive Processing (CPT) Therapists in Spencer, IA
I am originally from WA and a U.S. Army veteran. I have become a licensed clinical social worker or LCSW in Texas with six years of working in the mental health field. I have been a social worker going on five years. I am also licensed in Washington, Iowa & South Dakota as a clinical social worker in private practice. My goal is trying to bring mental health services to more communities. I am a huge advocate for spending time outside and learning self-care. This can be something as simple as sitting on the porch watching the sun set.
I am originally from WA and a U.S. Army veteran. I have become a licensed clinical social worker or LCSW in Texas with six years of working in the mental health field. I have been a social worker going on five years. I am also licensed in Washington, Iowa & South Dakota as a clinical social worker in private practice. My goal is trying to bring mental health services to more communities. I am a huge advocate for spending time outside and learning self-care. This can be something as simple as sitting on the porch watching the sun set.
Life can bring many challenges, struggles, and difficult times. All of us have had seasons when we felt stuck and hopeless and in need of a starting point for healing and recovery. Very often, the past is present in disruptive ways, making it difficult to enjoy the moment or causing damage to our relationships. Sometimes worries can become consuming and we find ourselves simply surviving, instead of thriving. My passion is to walk alongside you, offering evidence-based treatment approaches, as you discover and embrace the life you want to live.
Life can bring many challenges, struggles, and difficult times. All of us have had seasons when we felt stuck and hopeless and in need of a starting point for healing and recovery. Very often, the past is present in disruptive ways, making it difficult to enjoy the moment or causing damage to our relationships. Sometimes worries can become consuming and we find ourselves simply surviving, instead of thriving. My passion is to walk alongside you, offering evidence-based treatment approaches, as you discover and embrace the life you want to live.
My social work philosophy takes on a client-centered holistic approach to psychotherapy. I am dedicated to working with individuals, children, couples, and families to achieve the mental health and relationships they desire.
My social work philosophy takes on a client-centered holistic approach to psychotherapy. I am dedicated to working with individuals, children, couples, and families to achieve the mental health and relationships they desire.
More Therapists Nearby
As a military veteran and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Missouri, Iowa and Oklahoma. I understand the unique challenges that first responders, military personnel, and veterans face daily. The weight of trauma, high-pressure environments, and the toll on mental health can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
I specialize in working with active-duty military, veterans, police officers, firefighters, EMS, and other first responders who experience PTSD, anxiety, depression, operational stress, and burnout.
As a military veteran and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Missouri, Iowa and Oklahoma. I understand the unique challenges that first responders, military personnel, and veterans face daily. The weight of trauma, high-pressure environments, and the toll on mental health can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
I specialize in working with active-duty military, veterans, police officers, firefighters, EMS, and other first responders who experience PTSD, anxiety, depression, operational stress, and burnout.
Hi, my name is Susanna Luu, PhD. I'm a clinical psychologist specializing in a holistic approach to treating mental health concerns through a cognitive behavioral therapy lens. I am currently licensed in Iowa. My communication style in down to earth and genuine. I will not mask my unique "real" qualities and try to bring in humor as much as I can. This is model an example of healthy communication. Further, I am always client-centered. Although I love to see clients have growth, I will always ask if clients are ready to explore the next steps of processing and meet them where they are at.
Hi, my name is Susanna Luu, PhD. I'm a clinical psychologist specializing in a holistic approach to treating mental health concerns through a cognitive behavioral therapy lens. I am currently licensed in Iowa. My communication style in down to earth and genuine. I will not mask my unique "real" qualities and try to bring in humor as much as I can. This is model an example of healthy communication. Further, I am always client-centered. Although I love to see clients have growth, I will always ask if clients are ready to explore the next steps of processing and meet them where they are at.
Online Therapists
I have been providing therapy for children (age 12 and up), adolescents and adults since 1995 in a variety of therapeutic settings. I specialize in the area of trauma and other forms of abuse causing emotional distress/negative impact on the person and their families.
I have been providing therapy for children (age 12 and up), adolescents and adults since 1995 in a variety of therapeutic settings. I specialize in the area of trauma and other forms of abuse causing emotional distress/negative impact on the person and their families.
Addison Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Mason City, IA 50401
Waitlist for new clients
Seeing clients across Iowa via Telehealth! I have a tremendous understanding of the social, emotional, psychological, and societal impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences, and am aware of the importance of identifying and addressing toxic stress in both children and adults. I am also well-versed on the numerous symptoms of trauma. I understand how these symptoms can perpetuate other secondary effects such as addiction, eating disorders, difficulties with learning and processing information, and building and sustaining relationships.
Seeing clients across Iowa via Telehealth! I have a tremendous understanding of the social, emotional, psychological, and societal impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences, and am aware of the importance of identifying and addressing toxic stress in both children and adults. I am also well-versed on the numerous symptoms of trauma. I understand how these symptoms can perpetuate other secondary effects such as addiction, eating disorders, difficulties with learning and processing information, and building and sustaining relationships.
I believe that each person is an expert on their own lives, and that the therapeutic journey is one that is better done as teamwork between therapist and client. Both client and therapist are experts in their own right. I am a person-centered counselor who values the quality of the therapist-client relationship above all else. I employ an integrated approach utilizing humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and other empirically based techniques and interventions that are individually tailored for each client. I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Buena Vista University, and my JD from Drake University
I believe that each person is an expert on their own lives, and that the therapeutic journey is one that is better done as teamwork between therapist and client. Both client and therapist are experts in their own right. I am a person-centered counselor who values the quality of the therapist-client relationship above all else. I employ an integrated approach utilizing humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and other empirically based techniques and interventions that are individually tailored for each client. I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Buena Vista University, and my JD from Drake University
Hey there! If you are reading this, I want to let you know that I am already proud of you for taking the first step in seeking help. My goal as a therapist is to work alongside you in achieving whatever challenges you are facing that is preventing you from living your best life. You can rest assured that working with me will be judgement-free.
Hey there! If you are reading this, I want to let you know that I am already proud of you for taking the first step in seeking help. My goal as a therapist is to work alongside you in achieving whatever challenges you are facing that is preventing you from living your best life. You can rest assured that working with me will be judgement-free.
Hello, I am Peggy Clark. I have a license in Marriage and Family Therapy through the state of Iowa. I have been practicing for over 20 years with individuals, families, and children. I have helped many with relational issues, be it couples, parents and children of all ages. Unfortunately, I am no longer working with children under the age of 16 years. Many come to me with stresses of life, work, and personal, and traumas of all sorts that creates high anxiety and depression. I believe that all have a story to be respected, strengths to be built upon, in a team effort. I have a laid back, conversational, caring approach.
Hello, I am Peggy Clark. I have a license in Marriage and Family Therapy through the state of Iowa. I have been practicing for over 20 years with individuals, families, and children. I have helped many with relational issues, be it couples, parents and children of all ages. Unfortunately, I am no longer working with children under the age of 16 years. Many come to me with stresses of life, work, and personal, and traumas of all sorts that creates high anxiety and depression. I believe that all have a story to be respected, strengths to be built upon, in a team effort. I have a laid back, conversational, caring approach.
Do you want to make changes in your life? I want to help you explore your options. I want to help you become the person you want to be. We live in a very complicated and changing world having to navigate many different situations and experiences; that we don't always feel equipped to handle emotionally. I believe we are all here on this earth to help each other and my goal is to help you become the best you can be.
Do you want to make changes in your life? I want to help you explore your options. I want to help you become the person you want to be. We live in a very complicated and changing world having to navigate many different situations and experiences; that we don't always feel equipped to handle emotionally. I believe we are all here on this earth to help each other and my goal is to help you become the best you can be.
Since 2015, I’ve supported individuals and couples in navigating life’s challenges with warmth, skill, and compassion. I am also the cofounder of Inner Spark therapy, coaching, and consulting. We opened our in person office February 2026..
I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and intimacy concerns, and identity exploration. Whether you’re rebuilding after a difficult experience or working toward more authentic connection, I offer a space that is safe, affirming, and grounded in your strengths.
Since 2015, I’ve supported individuals and couples in navigating life’s challenges with warmth, skill, and compassion. I am also the cofounder of Inner Spark therapy, coaching, and consulting. We opened our in person office February 2026..
I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and intimacy concerns, and identity exploration. Whether you’re rebuilding after a difficult experience or working toward more authentic connection, I offer a space that is safe, affirming, and grounded in your strengths.
Trauma leaves us feeling broken, damaged, and disconnected from our true selves. You are goal-oriented but still find yourself having difficulty maintaining focus and presence of mind? feeling defeated and unlovable. You want to experience connection and meaningful relationships but seem to push people away or end up relationships that hurt you. But you are ready to make a change. You are ready to resolve core conflict. You are ready to change maladaptive coping mechanism. Most of all, you are ready to engage in healthy and meaningful relationships with others. I want to help you get there.
Trauma leaves us feeling broken, damaged, and disconnected from our true selves. You are goal-oriented but still find yourself having difficulty maintaining focus and presence of mind? feeling defeated and unlovable. You want to experience connection and meaningful relationships but seem to push people away or end up relationships that hurt you. But you are ready to make a change. You are ready to resolve core conflict. You are ready to change maladaptive coping mechanism. Most of all, you are ready to engage in healthy and meaningful relationships with others. I want to help you get there.
See more therapy options for Spencer
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.