Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can affect anyone who has experienced trauma — whether from military service, assault, serious accident, natural disasters, or other life-altering events. Fortunately, there is hope: several therapies have been designed to help individuals process trauma, reduce symptoms, and regain control over their lives. 

Three of the most researched and recommended treatments for PTSD are Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). While they share the same goal — helping people heal — they take different approaches. Here’s what you need to know.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

What is it? 

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that focuses on how a person thinks about their trauma. It helps individuals recognize and challenge unhelpful beliefs, such as self-blame or negative views of the world, and upsetting thoughts that may have developed after the trauma. By challenging your thoughts, you are able to change how you feel. 

How does it work? 

Typically, you will undergo 12 30- to 60-minute sessions, with treatment lasting about three months. During these sessions, you will: 

• Learn about PTSD and the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 
• Identify and challenge “stuck” points — thoughts that keep you trapped in PTSD symptoms.
• Complete writing assignments and discussions to help reframe harmful beliefs. 
• Possibly write a detailed account of your trauma to discuss in a session. 
• Examine whether the facts support or don’t support your thoughts and decide whether you want to take a new perspective. 

Who benefits?
CPT is especially effective for those struggling with guilt, shame, or distorted beliefs related to their trauma.

Prolonged Exposure (PE)

What is it?

Prolonged Exposure (PE) is a psychotherapy, or talk therapy, that focuses on gradually confronting trauma-related memories, situations, and feelings that have been avoided. Like CPT, it is a type of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). By confronting these challenges, the goal is to decrease your PTSD symptoms. 

How does it work?

PE usually requires 8 to 15 one-and-a-half-hour sessions, with treatment lasting three months. With this therapy, you will:

• Repeatedly revisit the traumatic memory through imaginal exposure in a controlled environment to process the trauma and reduce its emotional impact.
• Engage in in vivo exposure by confronting safe but avoided places or activities.

Over time, this therapy reduces fear and avoidance, retraining the brain’s response to trauma reminders and allowing you to have fewer unwanted memories. 

Who benefits?

PE is often recommended for individuals who find that avoidance is significantly interfering with their daily lives or relationships.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

What is it?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy, or talk therapy, that helps the brain process traumatic memories, thoughts, and feelings using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or tapping. 

How does it work?

EMDR lasts about one to three months, with weekly 50- to 90-minute sessions. During these sessions, you will:

• Be guided to recall distressing memories while performing specific eye movements or other rhythmic stimulation. 
• Use this therapy to “unlock” memories and allow the brain to reprocess them in a healthier way. 
• Reduce the emotional charge of traumatic memories.
• Eventually, you will focus on a positive belief and feeling while you hold the traumatic memory in your mind. 

Who benefits?

EMDR is effective for people with various types of trauma, including complex or multiple traumatic events. It’s particularly appealing to those who’d rather not talk extensively about the trauma.

Choosing the Right Therapy for You

All three therapies — CPT, PE, and EMDR — are backed by extensive research and can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms. The best choice depends on:

• Your personal comfort level with different approaches.
• The nature of your trauma.
• How you prefer to process emotions and memories.
• Recommendations from a trained mental health professional.

It’s important to remember that healing from PTSD takes time, and seeking support is a courageous first step on your healing journey. 

Therapy Can Help You Heal From PTSD

PTSD can make you feel overwhelmed and lonely, but you don’t have to face it alone. Evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), have helped many people understand and confront their trauma and reclaim their lives.

While each approach is different, they all help reduce the emotional pain of trauma and help you move forward. If you’re ready to explore treatment options, talk to a licensed mental health professional about what approach might work best for you. You deserve relief — and you deserve to heal.