Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in Austin, TX
Working Through Trauma’s Stuck Points
After trauma, what happened can become tangled with what you believe it means about you. CPT is a structured treatment for PTSD that focuses on those trauma-related beliefs — questions of blame, trust, and whether it is possible to feel safe again.
4.9★
Average rating in our most recent client survey
15 years
Serving Austin since 2011
4,000+
Clients served
30 therapists
With varied licensure and levels of experience
Meet our CPT therapists
Karla Corro, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
I love time with my three dogs and husband — hikes and road trips!
Craig Lesley, LPC-A
Supervised by
Laurie Stevens‑Beck, LPC‑SI'm happiest with my dogs, open-water swimming, grilling, and yoga.
Emma Lapin, LPC-A
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
I’m here to meet you where you are and work alongside you toward meaningful change.
Kristy Demers, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
I recharge by meditating, getting outside, and being with people who lift me up.
Looking for a therapist? We’ll help you find a perfect match.
Matcha is our matching tool. It’s free, there’s nothing to sign up for, and it takes about a minute.
- Narrow by insurance, availability, and how a therapist works
- Save the ones you want to come back to
- Or just describe what you’re going through, and let it find the fit
What is CPT?
CPT helps people identify and examine beliefs that developed around a traumatic experience. These are sometimes called “stuck points”: conclusions about yourself, other people, or the world that can keep distress going. The work is not about denying that something harmful happened. It is about looking carefully at the meanings you have carried forward.
The VA National Center for PTSD describes CPT as an evidence-based PTSD treatment. Common areas of focus include safety, trust, power and control, esteem, and intimacy. Research on a treatment does not determine what an individual person’s outcome will be; fit and progress still need to be assessed together.
What Does the Work Involve?
CPT commonly uses education about trauma responses, structured questions, and written practice between appointments. You and the therapist examine a belief and consider whether it accounts for the full situation. Some versions include a written trauma account; that is a question to discuss before starting, rather than something to assume from the treatment name.
You can ask how the clinician adapts written work for your attention, language, accessibility needs, or schedule. Being able to discuss practical barriers matters when choosing a structured approach.
How Do I Know Whether CPT Is Right for Me?
You do not need to make that decision from a webpage. Tell the therapist about your symptoms, current circumstances, previous treatment, and what you want help changing. Ask why they would recommend CPT, what other options they would consider, and how they assess readiness for trauma-focused work.
Our trauma therapy page introduces the broader conversation. You can also read about EMDR and somatic therapy. These approaches differ; choosing care is more useful than trying to identify a universally best method.
Questions to Bring to the First Conversation
A first conversation is for exploring fit, not proving you are ready.
- What CPT training and experience do you have with concerns like mine?
- What would sessions and between-session practice involve?
- Would you use a written trauma account, and how would we discuss that decision?
- How will we monitor symptoms, safety, and whether treatment is helping?
- What happens if I need additional support or a different approach?
Find a Setting That Works for You
Share your preference when requesting care — CPT availability at each office or online depends on the clinician. We see clients at Northwest Hills in North Austin, at Sunset Valley in South Austin, and online anywhere in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions About CPT
You do not need to know the terminology before you begin.
How long does CPT take?
CPT has a structured course of treatment, but the plan for you should be discussed with the clinician. Ask about session frequency, expected review points, and how they handle interruptions. This page does not promise a fixed number of appointments or a recovery deadline.
Will I have to write about my trauma?
Some versions of CPT include a written trauma account and some do not. Ask the clinician which they use, why, and how the decision would be made with you. You do not need to provide a detailed trauma account in your initial scheduling request.
How is CPT different from EMDR?
Both are trauma-focused treatments. CPT works primarily through examining trauma-related beliefs in conversation and writing; EMDR uses structured sets of bilateral stimulation while you attend to a memory. A therapist who knows your history can help you weigh the options.
Is treatment available in person or online?
Yes. Tell us whether you prefer Northwest Hills, Sunset Valley, or online therapy in Texas. We will need to confirm a clinician whose approach, location, and availability fit your request.
What does CPT cost, and can I use insurance?
See our rates and insurance information. Fees and coverage depend on your therapist and plan. If you already have a referring provider, tell us about that relationship and any coordination you would like to discuss.
For more about the approach, see the VA National Center for PTSD overview of CPT.
Take the next step
Request a therapist through Matcha and mention CPT or a recommendation you have received. You can also browse our therapists or call or text (512) 578-8070 to explore fit. You do not need to provide a detailed trauma account in your initial scheduling request.