Treatment For PTSD can help You
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. These treatments have been proven to be effective through rigorous scientific research and are recommended by clinical practice guidelines.
EBTs have been proven to significantly reduce or eliminate PTSD symptoms across diverse trauma-exposed populations, including various racial and ethnic groups, with recovery from PTSD often lasting long-term. Crucially, many individuals with PTSD also struggle with suicide, and EBTs for PTSD have been demonstrated 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). In CPT, the therapist works with the patient to identify how the trauma has altered their thoughts and beliefs about themselves and the world, and how these changes impact their behavior and experiences. The treatment focuses on repairing the damaging effects of past trauma by challenging negative thoughts and beliefs, shifting harmful interpretations, and helping the patient develop a healthier perspective on their experiences.
Prolonged Exposure (PE)
In Prolonged Exposure (PE), patients work through painful experiences or memories in a safe and 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 works with the patient to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs related to the trauma, helping them develop a healthier perspective that enables them to move forward and reengage in activities they had previously avoided. PE therapy is conducted in weekly sessions, typically ranging from 8 to 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 their experiences rather than avoid them. With its concise format and absence of between-session assignments, WET offers a tolerable and beneficial approach to PTSD treatment for many individuals.