Impact Stories
“Jose’s” Story
After the traumatic loss of his girlfriend, Jose found himself using alcohol to avoid his pain and grief. He met with a therapist who recognized that Jose was experiencing symptoms of PTSD in addition to loss and grief. After 11 sessions of CPT, Jose was able to re-engage in life, feel joy, and start to share positive memories about Ana. He is now able to parent to his daughter and support her grieving the loss of her mother.
“Jocelyn’s” STORY
“Jocelyn” survived almost two decades of verbal, emotional, and physical abuse from her husband. Then she was sexually assaulted by her employer. Jocelyn was agitated and anxious even approaching daily tasks and lacked confidence and self-esteem. Finally, she sought therapy. Jocelyn’s therapist listened to her story and completed an evaluation that revealed she was experiencing severe symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She reported that therapy has helped her love herself again, set and pursue goals, and not let her past define or control her.
As clinicians, we understand trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a part of many of our clients’ experiences. Sonia Wagner, LCSW-R, Executive Vice President, MHA Rockland shares her first-hand account shows how this treatment produces better client outcomes, while equipping therapists with tools and resources to effectively implement this treatment strategy.
“Maria’s” Story
Learn about Maria, a domestic abuse survivor who suffered from PTSD, and sought treatment with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), aimed at re-establishing her self-worth and life purpose. Through the Gavin Farrell Foundation sponsorship of specific PTSD therapy, Maria was able to challenge her initial negative beliefs and recognize the true responsible culprit for her stress and depression.
“Caitlyn’s” Story
“Caitlyn,” a 15-year-old high schooler was isolated and depressed. For months, she endured physical, sexual, and emotional abuse from a close friend and classmate, leading her to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), feelings of guilt, and self-doubt. Previously happy-go-lucky and involved, Caitlyn became withdrawn and uncomfortable in social settings. Through treatment for PTSD, she was able return to typical teenage challenges.
2022 Impact Report
The Gavin Farrell Foundation has undertaken a research study of our implementation and dissemination of CPT training at NYU. Our findings show that on average, clients who participated in CPT experienced a substantial alleviation in their PTSD symptoms and their functioning in areas such as work and family relationships improved significantly. Most of the people who completed all 12 sessions reported PTSD symptom levels that fell below the symptom level that would suggest a PTSD diagnosis.
“I’ve been doing CPT treatment since last year and I noticed a change in how I deal with the trauma I have endured. It was very scary at first because I never dealt with what I’ve been through but I started noticing a lot of changes within myself. CPT treatment has helped me deal with my every day stressors. I find myself using what I have been taught in treatment in my every day life. I find this treatment to be very helpful. Go in with an open mind and know that eventually it will pay off and it’s what is best for you. I think it’s something that should be available to everyone who has PTSD. I’m glad I did this even though there were times when I was overwhelmed and thought I couldn’t do anymore I’m glad I stuck with it.”
— CPT Patient