CBT is based on the idea that clients may learn to control their emotions by changing their beliefs and actions and that new ways of thinking, acting, and feeling can result in change (Briere & Scott, 2014). CBT is a systematic therapeutic strategy that includes skill training and may reduce the client’s anxiety by preparing them for future experiences. This method may be employed in both individual and group treatment. One specific form of CBT) which is designed specifically for sexual assault and deployment-related trauma, is cognitive processing therapy (CPT). Survivors who participate in CPT learn to identify and overcome “stuck spots” in five areas: self-blame and guilt, power and control, self-esteem, trust, and intimacy (Briere & Scott, 2014).
CBT is my go-to therapy for just about any client concern. I have found that CPT is highly effective for survivors of sexual assault and veterans, especially for resolving issues of guilt and shame. The training is not costly, and the sessions are very structured. The drawback is that I did not find CPT effective for resolving issues with moral injury. Another drawback of CPT is the impact statement at the beginning of the first session, which many clients find difficult to write.
Reference
Briere, J. N., & Scott, C. (2014). Principles of Trauma Therapy: A Guide to Symptoms, Evaluation, and Treatment ( DSM-5 Update), 2nd Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf 10.1.0]. Retrieved from vbk://9781483351230
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