CPT vs. CPT+A

TF-CPT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Processing Therapy) has two different ways it can be conducted. One of which includes a written account of your trauma (CPT+A) and the other (CPT) does not. Processing trauma is more about processing it than it is recounting it. When something adverse happens to us it can change our worldview for the worse and leave us stuck. Processing trauma means looking at and reframing the impact of the trauma — not changing the events themself. I typically leave it up to the clients to decide whether or not writing out the event feels necessary or not. I describe potential benefits and risks in doing so and safe ways to recount the trauma to ensure they’re not retraumatizing themself or further moving forward the trauma narrative. I like to let clients know from the get-go of the two types so they can make an informed decision for which seems like a good fit.