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TRAUMA CARE PSYCHOLOGY

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment for PTSD that helps you identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs shaped by traumatic experiences.

Our CPT Program

A trauma-informed, structured approach that helps you identify and change trauma-related thought patterns, reduce distressing symptoms, and build more adaptive beliefs that support lasting recovery and improved functioning.

Program Includes:

Comprehensive intake assessment & personalized plan

  • Phase I: Understanding Trauma & “Stuck Points”

    • Weekly 1:1 CPT sessions

    • Identifying trauma-related beliefs that keep you feeling stuck

    • Understanding how trauma has impacted thoughts about safety, trust, control, self-worth, and responsibility

    • Building skills to manage distress while engaging in trauma-focused work

    Phase II: Cognitive Processing of Trauma

    • Examining and challenging unhelpful trauma-related thoughts

    • Learning to evaluate beliefs using evidence and alternative perspectives

    • Reducing avoidance and emotional reactivity connected to traumatic memories

    Phase III: Integration & Recovery

    • Developing more balanced, adaptive beliefs

    • Strengthening daily functioning, relationships, and self-confidence

    • Supporting meaningful personal goals and long-term recovery

Why Choose CPT?

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a well-researched, evidence-based treatment for trauma, PTSD, and Complex PTSD. It is especially helpful for people who feel stuck in distressing patterns of thinking and emotional reactions following traumatic experiences.


You may benefit from CPT if you experience:

  • Persistent trauma-related thoughts that feel hard to shift

  • Strong emotional reactions triggered by reminders of past trauma

  • Ongoing feelings of guilt, shame, blame, or self-criticism

  • Difficulty trusting yourself or others

  • Feeling unsafe, on guard, or easily overwhelmed

  • Avoidance of memories, situations, or conversations related to trauma

  • Emotional numbness or detachment

  • Problems with boundaries or self-assertion

  • Relationship difficulties linked to trauma-based beliefs

  • Stress responses that escalate quickly or feel out of proportion to the present situation

Who is CPT For?

CPT is for anyone who struggles with:

  • Persistent trauma-related thoughts or beliefs that feel difficult to change

  • Ongoing distress linked to past traumatic experiences

  • Feeling “stuck” in patterns of avoidance, self-blame, guilt, or shame

  • Difficulty feeling safe, grounded, or present due to trauma reminders

  • Challenges in relationships that stem from trauma-based beliefs about trust, control, or worth

  • Feeling disconnected from yourself, others, or your sense of meaning following trauma

  • Cycles of distress that interfere with daily functioning and recovery

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) was originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans after returning from war.

Since then, CPT has been shown to be effective for a wide range of trauma-related concerns, including PTSD and Complex PTSD, anxiety and depression linked to trauma, persistent guilt or shame, difficulties with trust and safety, and challenges in emotional and relational functioning following traumatic events.

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How CPT Helps

Intense emotional distress often develops following traumatic experiences and the beliefs that form in their aftermath. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) was developed to address these difficulties by helping individuals understand how trauma has shaped their thinking and emotional responses through the strategies below:

  • Learn to recognize how trauma has influenced your thoughts, beliefs, and emotional reactions, and develop skills to respond to distressing situations with greater clarity rather than automatic reactivity.

  • Develop practical strategies to manage distress, reduce avoidance, and stay present when trauma-related stress arises, supporting emotional stability during daily life and treatment.

  • Identify and examine unhelpful beliefs related to safety, trust, control, self-worth, and responsibility, and replace them with more balanced, adaptive perspectives that support healthier relationships and boundaries.

  • Increase awareness of internal experiences and present-day triggers, strengthen confidence in your ability to cope, and respond to life and relationships with greater flexibility, clarity, and resilience.

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HOURS

Monday-Friday

11 AM - 7 PM*

*Individual therapists’ availability may differ

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LOCATION

3250 Bloor Street W. 6th floor, Suite 675

Etobicoke, ON, M8Z 2X9

IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL THERAPY AVAILABLE

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CONTACT

admin@traumacarepsychology.ca

(647) 456-7500

Book an Intake Online

Starting therapy is simple and supportive:

  1. Get in Touch
    Book a call online with our intake coordinator or fill our the “Contact Us” form to the right to see if CPT is right for you. You can also email us directly at admin@traumacarepsychology.ca or call us at (647) 456-7500.

  2. 15-Minute Intake Call
    Speak with our intake coordinator to ensure the best match with a CPT therapist or take a look at our therapist options online, select one you believe might be a fit, and schedule a free 20-min consultation call with the therapist directly.

  3. Schedule Your First Session
    The first session is designed to gather information so we can come up with a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.

Getting Started

Contact Us

Fill out the information below, and our intake coordinator will be in contact shortly.