NOTE from RTB: We've been provided with a document, CPT_Clinical_Description.docx; The FAQs from that document have been added, but we haven't yet merged the rest of it with the below content yet.
Program Overview
Cognitive processing therapy is a very powerful form of treatment for people with post-traumatic stress disorder. It a useful therapy for all types of traumas, including interpersonal trauma (such as abuse or neglect in early life), relationship trauma (including abusive relationships with romantic partners), critical event trauma (i.e., loss of a loved one, accidents, sudden deaths, etc.), and occupational stress injury (for instance, the types of trauma experienced by many first responders, military members, and other uniformed professionals).
Cognitive processing therapy (or ‘CPT’) is a structured model, usually done in 12 sessions. During the course of the therapy, the client learns new skills, in order to ‘become their own therapist.’ Clients in CPT learn how to challenge their own thinking about traumatic experiences, process unresolved traumatic emotions, and live a more engaged and connected life.
All materials will be provided. There is regular ‘homework’ in this therapy model. The group therapists will provide clear and straightforward instructions for how to do the exercises/worksheets between sessions.
When & Where
- Specific dates TBD
- This group is typically hosted on evenings and weekends
- CPT groups run in two formats:
- Standard, once per week for 12 weeks
- Accelerated, twice per week for 6 weeks
- Sessions are 90 minutes
- This is an in–person group
- Meetings take place at our Hillside/Shelbourne office
- 10 seats are available per group
Therapists Leading The Session
This therapy is often co-led by two trauma trained therapists.
Eligibility Criteria
This group is applicable for adults and adolescents who have PTSD. Every participant receives an assessment meeting with one of the trauma therapists, or with Dr. Berry, to ensure that the group is appropriate for their needs.
How to Register
Please contact us to register your interest in this program.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the CPT group?
Individuals who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, or an other-specified trauma-related disorder that would be appropriate for trauma therapy. Individuals also have to be able to work well in a group setting—these groups are very kind and supportive, so all participants must have the ability to relate to others in a respectful and supportive way.
What ages are participants?
This program is for adults 19 and over.
How big is the group?
On average, groups range from 6-8 participants in size, and are never more than 10 participants.
How frequent are the meetings?
Weekly—typically during the evenings or on weekends, to accommodate participants who work during the day.
How long are the meetings?
Each session is scheduled for 90 minutes.
What is the cost of the group?
The cost is $2,000, with 50% payment required before the first session, and the remaining 50% required at the halfway point. This cost covers all group materials, taxes, etc. There are no hidden costs. *(however, if an individual chooses to undergo an assessment with a psychologist, that would be a separate service and billed separately).
Who runs the meetings?
All meetings are run by a trauma therapist, trained and experienced in Cognitive Processing Therapy specifically. All group facilitators are licensed mental health professionals.
How long is the program?
The program runs for 12 sessions, weekly (so typically 12 weeks in total, though groups coinciding with major holidays may be extended to accommodate the holiday).
If I need more support, is that possible?
In addition to the weekly meetings, most group leaders choose to offer a weekly, or bi-weekly, drop-in homework session, to help you with your CPT exercises. Additionally, many participants choose to do individual counselling with one of the therapists on our team (or outside our team), while doing their CPT group. This additional support is often very valuable as they ‘open up’ distressing memories they may have buried for a long time.
Are groups mixed or gender specific?
We run both mixed-gender groups, and women’s groups. Often this is helpful for women with particular types of trauma (for instance, women who have a history of sexual trauma perpetrated by males).
Is it possible to be assessed by a psychologist, to know if CPT is a good option for me?
Yes, absolutely. The psychologists on our team specialize in assessment, diagnosis and care management. If you wish, you could book an assessment before deciding whether to do CPT. Some clients also choose to do a follow-up assessment after completing CPT, to measure progress and decide on next steps. *This would be booked and paid separately from the CPT group.
Cancellation Policy
If clients cannot attend a meeting, they are asked to inform the facilitator, or the Resilient Health administrator, in advance if possible. We are not able to refund the group fee, or any portion thereof, unless the cancellation is due to a medical emergency. However, we will provide you with copies of any materials (e.g., worksheets, readings, etc.) you may have missed.
Additionally, it may be possible for you to book an individual session with the group leader, to ‘catch up’ (an additional charge, equivalent to the group leader’s rate for individual appointments, would typically apply).
Guidelines & Expectations
By signing up, the participant is making a commitment to themselves, and to the other group participants. All group members are expected to be respectful, participate actively and appropriately, and maintain the confidentiality of what their groupmates share in group.
These groups require that their members trust one another, so all participants need to honour the rule what’s shared in group stays in group.
Another part of this respect is to arrive on time, maintain focus on the work, and ensure that you have completed your ‘homework’ prior to each appointment. This is to everyone’s benefit, because those who do the ‘heavy lifting’ usually recover from PTSD, while those who don’t ‘do the work,’ are unlikely to recover.