Cognitive Processing Intervention for Trauma, HIV/STI Risks, and Substance Use Among Native Women

Cognitive Processing Therapy-Cognitive (CPT-C) uses education about trauma reactions, emotional processing, and cognitive strategies to reduce trauma-related cognitive distortions. CPT is a manualised 12 session cognitive behavioral treatment for PTSD which offers an alternative to purely exposure based interventions. CPT has a smaller exposure component than imaginal exposure therapy and is therefore potentially more acceptable to clients or practitioners seeking alternatives to purely exposure focused treatments. CPT-C omits the written trauma account, and includes more practice of cognitive techniques during the sessions. The treatment was developed for twice weekly sessions over 6 weeks. It also directly targets associated problems such as depression, guilt and anger.