CPT vs EMDR

Differences between Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

THERAPY FOCUS
• The client’s thoughts about the trauma (not the • Parts of the trauma memory, including specific
trauma memory itself) images and sensations
• Mostly used for PTSD and trauma • Applies to a broad clinical focus, including
trauma, phobias, anxiety and depression

THERAPY TECHNIQUE
• Non-exposure based that transforms cognitive
distortions or “stuck points” from the trauma
event
• Uses cognitive restructuring, Socratic
questioning and (optional) written narratives
• Exposure-based therapy that targets trauma
memories, emotions, and bodily sensations
• Uses bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements)
while the client processes the trauma memory
and cognitive interventions

TRAUMA CONTENT
• Focuses on negative beliefs without sharing • Although not required to share trauma details,
direct content about the trauma (which can EMDR does include clients focusing on brief
sometimes lead to re-traumatization) information about the trauma, images, distress
levels, etc.

TREATMENT DURATION
• Includes a proven step-by-step protocol
• Usually 12 sessions, each focused on a specific
aspect of cognitive processing
• Includes 8 phases (e.g., history-taking, target
memory assessment, processing the memory,
etc.) and focus on past, present, and future
• Treatment duration can vary greatly (6 sessions
to a year or more), depending on the complexity
and severity of the trauma memories

Learn Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

with co-developer Dr. Kate Chard to treat trauma, PTSD.
Designed to help you start using CPT right away, this training will equip you with
session-by-session instructions, scripts, worksheets, and handouts to give you
exactly what you need to implement this 12-session protocol confidently with all
your trauma clients.
Visit pesi.com/CPTtraining to learn more!

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