Treatment can help.
Fortunately, decades of research have established trauma-focused, therapies including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), and Written Exposure Therapy (WET) as first-line evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for adults and adolescents with PTSD. This means these treatments have been proven to be effective through rigorous scientific research and recommended by clinical practice guidelines. EBTs have been proven to substantially reduce and eliminate PTSD symptoms across varying trauma-exposed populations and racial and ethnic groups, with recovery from PTSD lasting long-term. Importantly, many individuals with PTSD also struggle with suicide, and EBTs for PTSD have been shown to reduce suicide among individuals experiencing PTSD and suicide risk.
“CPT changed my life. I didn’t think it would help so much. I was scared and nervous but my therapist helped me feel comfortable and express my emotions. It was a good experience. I would recommend it for anyone who’s been through trauma.”
Treatments for Adolescents and Adults
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) takes place in individual or combined individual/group sessions. The treatment involves weekly sessions (around 12 sessions). Through CPT, the therapist works with the patient to identify the ways in which the trauma altered their thoughts and beliefs about themselves and the world, and how these impact their behavior and experiences. The treatment focuses on repairing the damage done by past trauma by challenging these negative thoughts and beliefs, shifting damaging interpretations and permitting the patient to develop a healthier perspective on their experience.
Prolonged Exposure (PE)
In Prolonged Exposure (PE), patients work through painful experiences or memories in a safe, supportive environment. As part of the process, patients engage in real life exposure to activities they have avoided due to the trauma. As with CPT, the therapist will work with the patient to shift negative thoughts and beliefs related to the trauma and develop a healthier perspective that permits the patient to move on with their life and again engage in activities they had avoided. The treatment similarly takes place through weekly sessions (between 8 and 15 sessions) with a trained mental health professional.
Written Exposure Therapy
Written Exposure Therapy (WET) is a highly effective and efficient treatment for PTSD, demonstrating symptom improvements comparable to those seen in CPT and PE, along with low dropout rates. WET involves psychoeducation about PTSD and trauma recovery, followed by guided writing sessions over five sessions where patients address their trauma through specific prompts. Therapists support patients in reflecting on their writing and encourage them to confront rather than avoid their experiences. With its concise format and absence of between-session assignments, WET offers a tolerable and beneficial approach to PTSD treatment for many individuals.