Understanding Top Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Approaches
When it comes to PTSD symptoms or processing a traumatic event, there’s never a one-size-fits-all approach. PTSD treatment consists of several therapeutic modalities that stem from traumatic stress studies. Regardless of the specific type of PTSD diagnosis and what it stems from, two primary go-to forms of therapy exist as solutions to overcoming a traumatic event, with or without the presence of a substance abuse issue.
It’s unrealistic to expect a one-size-fits-all approach to treating PTSD. That said, the gold standard for overcoming PTSD symptoms can be narrowed down to two powerful forms of therapy.
The use of cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure—two completely different forms of therapy based on your PTSD symptom severity and the specific nature of your traumatic experience. In this article, we break down cognitive processing therapy vs. prolonged exposure, helping to steer you toward the most effective form of therapy to help you start recovery in the way that best caters to your situation.
Follow along to learn more about these treatment sessions, available at South Shores Detox as part of our personalized treatment programs.
Breaking Down Cognitive Processing Therapy
Cognitive Processing Therapy is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) available at South Shores Detox that’s used to help clients who have PTSD and other forms of clinically significant trauma memory challenges.
When clients begin cognitive processing therapy, they work through one-on-one sessions with counselors to learn how unprocessed thoughts and emotions can significantly affect their behavioral patterns.
During the early stages of cognitive processing therapy (CPT), clients often create a written trauma account through journaling, describing how their traumatic event impacts them and their beliefs regarding how they picture themselves and the environment around them.
Stage 2
The second stage entails working through their trauma and unhelpful thoughts more constructively. After writing a detailed description of their traumatic ordeal, clients often read these descriptions out loud during a session with the hopes of putting an end to the harmful habit of avoiding unhelpful beliefs and behaviors related to their traumatic experience.
After clients identify and change these thinking patterns, they change their views on their negative experiences. CPT can be conducted in an independent or group setting. Usually, clients are assigned practice exposure situations as homework outside of their standard therapy sessions.
Breaking Down Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Unlike cognitive processing therapy—CPT, which requires participation in journaling to recollect negative thoughts and feelings as part of a wider variety of cognitive-behavioral treatment, prolonged exposure therapy leverages a relatively easy technique to help clients face their fears. As simple as it sounds, the clients will steadily focus on the memories and past experiences associated with their trauma.
Going deep within the mind, these individuals recall sounds, smells, scenery, and even the most minute details regarding their trauma, whether it’s natural disasters, combat exposure, a car vehicle, or several other possible events. The goal is to recreate the moment as accurately as possible in their minds.
Many people avoid specific thoughts and memories associated with traumatic experiences in an attempt to reduce anxiety or avoid flashbacks. However, this can increase stress in the long run and intensify their fear.
During extended exposure therapy, clients learn that the cues and vivid imagery associated with memories of their event no longer threaten them, decreasing many of the adverse reactions associated with those memories.
One important thing to keep in mind is that most exposure therapies are broken down into two separate segments, according to trauma therapists.
Imaginal Exposure Sessions
Imaginal exposure sessions for trauma take place during and in between two different sessions. With the therapist’s help, the client narrates the experience in as much detail as possible. With coaching from the therapist, you will deliver a highly accurate account of the situation in question.
Afterward, still in the presence of your counselor, the two of you will discuss and analyze some of the most significant emotions you experienced during the recounting of your trauma.
Once again, it’s important to mention that these sessions are conducted in the presence of counselors according to guideline recommendations. Afterward, in vivo exposure therapy is the next preferred treatment step during prolonged exposure for veterans and other clients with mental disorders.
In Vivo Exposure Sessions
In vivo exposure extends what clients learn during these effective treatments, offering them a form of homework that involves intense action. Clients are asked to go out and seek their feared triggers, which were uncovered during the imaginal exposure sessions.
During the imaginal exposure segment, counselors help the patient develop a clear outlook on who or what their triggers are. What type of actions or encounters leads to feelings of anxiety or other side effects of PTSD? During the first half of the two treatments, clients will decide with their counselor to ensure their findings support the opportunity for meaningful improvements as they prepare for in vivo exposure.
You’ll create a detailed plan for confronting your triggers between imaginal exposure sessions. This is intended to be a slow but steady confrontation of each trigger, giving you much higher odds of overcoming these challenging beliefs.
Each Method In Action
Now that you know the specifics of these front-line therapies, you’ll find that fewer sessions are required as you progress. You must understand the differences in how the two work to make a choice that delivers the primary outcome you’re looking for.
It’s vital patients understand the potential benefits and how to go about a shared decision-making process with their counselor to determine if they need a method for less complex conditions, extra sessions, or other strategies to help them work through what’s triggering their PTSD.
CPT and Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Which Is Best for Me?
When it comes to treating PTSD, evidence-based options like CPT and exposure therapy have a common trait that stands out. They’re both considered forms of psychoeducation. This describes a process that helps people living with PTSD better understand their traumatic experiences while creating better response methods in the process.
Engaging in these forms of therapy in group settings can also help clients gain confidence and combat feelings of loneliness. Although each method is typically administered in the privacy of a one-on-one session, taking advantage of each during group or family meetings can also have positive benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent similarities and differences between these two powerful treatment options:
How Are CPT and Prolonged Exposure Therapy Similar?
The following list highlights the similarities shared between CPT and prolonged exposure therapy:
- Both approaches are rooted in the same process as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- The Mental Health Services Administration recommends both
- Experts suggest that both methods be deployed daily for the best results.
- By definition, each method falls under the category of evidence-based treatment
- Because of the interaction between clients and counselors, both forms are available in person or through telehealth.
How Are CPT and Prolonged Exposure Therapy Different?
Note the differences between these two methods and stay mindful regarding which traits might make one or the other the more suitable option for you:
- CPT has a goal that’s more focused on changing your thought patterns.
- Prolonged exposure requires that you take a deep dive mentally to revisit the events surrounding your trauma.
- Because PE is based on exposure, it’s more effective at allowing you to process or work through your traumatic event.
Find Relief for Your PTSD at South Shores Detox
At South Shores Detox, we have a compassionate team of experts in both fields of therapy. Whether CPT therapy is the best option for you or exposure therapy holds the key to long-term recovery, your personalized treatment team will develop the plan you need to overcome your trauma and live life to the fullest.
Make the confidential call today and get proven recovery support options with South Shores now!