Exploring CPT Sessions: From Psychoeducation to Stuck Points

In this presentation, we provide a comprehensive overview of the initial stages of cognitive processing therapy (CPT), from the essential psychoeducation phase to the crucial process of identifying and addressing stuck points. This presentation is designed to equip therapists with a deep understanding of the early CPT sessions, highlighting the importance of psychoeducation, practice assignments, and the meticulous process of identifying stuck points.

Key Highlights:

1. Psychoeducation and Impact Statement in Session 1: The first session of CPT is pivotal, involving psychoeducation coupled with writing an impact statement. This statement is not just a task but a reflection of the patient’s trauma, encompassing their thoughts on critical areas like safety, trust, and self-perception. Therapists are encouraged to spot potential stuck points within these statements, setting the stage for future therapeutic work.
2. Focus on Stuck Points in Sessions 2 and 3: Building upon the foundations laid in the first session, the subsequent sessions are dedicated to identifying and understanding stuck points – the core unhelpful beliefs resulting from the trauma. The psychoeducational groundwork facilitates the identification of these beliefs and is vital for the patient’s journey toward recovery.
3. Emphasis on Practice Assignments: The significance of completing practice assignments cannot be overstated. These tasks, including the impactful ABC worksheet introduced in the second and third sessions, are integral to the treatment’s success. They encourage patients to engage with and reflect on their trauma and stuck points, both during and outside the therapy sessions.

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