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Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Comprehensive Manual, 2nd Edition

   

Continuing Education

This section brings together free in-depth Continuing Education resources for the Professional community concerned with trauma.

Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPT-PTSD): A Comprehensive Manual, 2nd Edition

  • Date Created: 02/27/2026
  • Time to Complete: 5.25 hours
  • Credits: ACCME, ANCC, APA, ASWB, NBCC, Other Orgs.
  • Skill Level: Advanced
  • Course Series: Clinical Skills Training

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Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPT-PTSD): A Comprehensive Manual, 2<sup>nd</sup> Edition Author(s):

Patricia A Resick, PhD, ABPP, Candice M. Monson, PhD, Kathleen M. Chard, PhD

Description

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a recommended treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The 2nd edition manual, written by the treatment developers, is a thorough resource on the theory, research, and practice of CPT.

The purpose of reading this manual is to provide core foundational training in CPT as part of the competency-based VA CPT Training Program coordinated by the Office of Mental Health. It presents the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of CPT followed by a session-by-session guide to implement CPT; it includes worksheets, sample dialogues, elaborated descriptions of session content, and guidance for treating specific populations. The manual emphasizes the cornerstones of CPT including employing the Socratic method, addressing avoidance, identifying assimilated and over-accommodated stuck points, and encouraging practice. This manual serves as a step-by-step guide for any clinician implementing CPT and is essential for CPT delivery.

Goals and Objectives

  • Explain the theory underlying Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • List at least 3 pre-treatment considerations and recommended assessment measures
  • Define stuck points
  • Describe the 5 modules in CPT
  • Identify 2 variations on CPT

PTSD Information Voice Mail: (802) 296-6300
Email: ncptsd@va.gov
Also see: VA Mental Health

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