I am trained in two evidence-based approaches to treat trauma-related stress and PTSD. These are
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
Both approaches are grounded in extensive research and have proven effective for helping
individuals heal from the emotional and psychological effects of trauma.
How Trauma Gets Stuck
Trauma affects both the mind and body in complex ways. When we experience something
traumatic, our brain processes the event as it would any other memory, but sometimes the
traumatic event overwhelms the brain’s natural coping mechanisms. This can result in the event
being “stuck” or unprocessed in our nervous system. The emotional intensity of the memory may
persist, and it can affect the way we think, feel, and act in the present. Both CPT and EMDR work to
help individuals process these memories in a way that allows them to heal.
Trauma can impact us by distorting our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world
around us. For example, after trauma, we may develop a negative belief about ourselves, such as “I
am unsafe” or “I am unworthy.” These distorted beliefs can shape our behaviors and relationships,
often leading to feelings of being “stuck”. Both CPT and EMDR aim to help individuals move beyond
these patterns and regain control over their lives.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
How Does it Work?
CPT is a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-based approach designed to help individuals understand
how traumatic events have impacted their thoughts and beliefs. After experiencing trauma, many
people develop unhelpful or distorted beliefs that keep them stuck in the trauma. For example,
someone might believe “I am not safe” after a car accident or “I am to blame” after a traumatic loss.
CPT helps individuals identify these beliefs and recognize how they contribute to their ongoing
emotional distress. Through structured exercises, clients learn how to challenge these thoughts and
replace them with more balanced, realistic perspectives. Over time, this process helps individuals
regain a sense of control, hope, and safety in their lives.
What to Expect
CPT is typically a 12-week program consisting of weekly sessions. In each session, we work together
to identify and address specific thoughts and beliefs that have been impacted by trauma. Initially, we
will focus on understanding how these beliefs are affecting your emotional responses and behaviors.
As therapy progresses, we will work to reframe these beliefs and develop healthier, more adaptive
ways of thinking.
You will be given “homework” between sessions, which may include writing exercises or journaling
to help you apply the concepts to your daily life. Over time, this process helps you move from a place
of emotional distress to one of empowerment and healing.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR therapy was developed in 1987 by Francine Shapiro, who discovered a connection between
specific eye movements and reduced emotional distress. While many stressful experiences can be
naturally resolved over time, traumatic events can overwhelm the brain’s ability to process them,
leaving unprocessed memories stored in the nervous system. This can lead to persistent feelings of
distress, negative thinking, and physical tension.
EMDR works by helping the brain process these stuck memories, enabling the body and mind to
move toward a sense of calm and safety. Over the course of therapy, the distress associated with the
memory diminishes, and negative beliefs about oneself often shift in a positive direction. Extensive
research supports EMDR’s effectiveness in treating PTSD, and growing evidence highlights its
benefits for other issues, including depression, anxiety, grief, and more.
What Happens in Sessions?
EMDR is a structured therapy that follows eight distinct phases. The initial phases involve exploring
your background and history, identifying specific target memories to address, and developing skills
to manage distress and discomfort.
The middle phases focus on desensitization—reducing the emotional intensity linked to traumatic
memories—and reprocessing, which reframes and integrates these memories in a healthier way.
During these phases, you are guided to focus on specific memories while engaging in sets of eye
movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This process helps activate the brain’s natural
healing mechanisms, allowing the memory to be reprocessed and integrated, reducing its emotional
impact.
The final phases ensure you feel grounded and safe, checking for any remaining tension or distress
and reinforcing a sense of resolution and well-being. By the end of therapy, the emotional charge
associated with the traumatic memory typically diminishes, leading to a more balanced perspective.
Transforming Trauma and Building Resilience
The experience of trauma, whether from a single event or prolonged exposure, can have lasting
effects on your emotional and physical well-being. Whether you are dealing with trauma from a past
event, or the ongoing impacts of PTSD, both CPT and EMDR offer valuable tools to help you process
and move forward.
Healing from trauma is a journey, and you don’t have to do it alone. Both CPT and EMDR are
evidence-based therapies that can help you break free from the patterns of thought, emotion, and
behavior that have been holding you back. With the right support, you can begin to process your
experiences, regain a sense of safety, and rebuild your life with renewed strength and resilience.
If you’re ready to begin this journey or have any questions about these therapies, I invite you to
reach out for a consultation. Together, we can explore the approach that will work best for you.