Cognitive Processing Therapy for Complex Cases: Evidence-based Strategies

Focusing on a front line treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related problems, this book bridges science and practice to provide clinicians with an important tool for use across populations and settings. It is a detailed, yet digestible, review of the literature supporting the use of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) followed by relevant clinical implications for evidence-based practice. Clear connections are made between case conceptualization and actual treatment. Chapters include case examples with client-therapist dialogue to provide practical guidance for clinicians delivering CPT with each patient population. Additionally, guidance for implementing CPT in alternative treatment formats (e.g., group treatment, intensive delivery modalities, and telehealth) and advice for navigating systemic barriers and disseminating CPT across different healthcare settings are included. Each chapter, written by a leading expert in each topic area, ensures that this book provides a comprehensive guide to enhance clinicians’ knowledge and skill in CPT treatment delivery across a wide range of complex patient populations, presentations, and treatment settings.

About the Author

Jennifer S. Wachen, Ph.D.: Dr. Jennifer S. Wachen is a Clinical Research Psychologist in the Women’s Health Sciences Division of the National Center for PTSD and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Boston University Chobanian and Avedesian School of Medicine. She is a trainer and consultant in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and has trained numerous providers to implement CPT across a range of treatment settings including military facilities, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and community-based medical centers. Dr. Wachen’s research focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of CPT, including novel delivery modalities such as massed treatment. Other research interests include examining the effect of PTSD treatment on physical health and psychosocial functioning outcomes. Dr. Wachen has conducted several Department of Defense-funded clinical trials investigating CPT in military and veteran populations and serves as a consultant on a number of research studies and dissemination initiatives implementing CPT in diverse healthcare settings. She is the author of over 70 peer-reviewed publications and has co-authored over one dozen invited book chapters. She serves on the Editorial Boards of Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy; Cognitive and Behavioral Practice; and Contemporary Clinical Trials .

Tara E. Galovski, Ph.D. Dr. Tara E. Galovski is the Director of the Women’s Health Sciences Division of the National Center for PTSD and a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Boston University Chobanian and Avedesian School of Medicine. Her research examines the effects of exposure to traumatic events and the development of psychological interventions designed to treat PTSD and comorbid psychiatric disorders. She has conducted federally funded clinical trials within a variety of populations exposed to different trauma types including combat, sexual trauma, domestic violence, community violence, and motor vehicle accidents. The results of Dr. Galovski’s program of research have been published in over 100 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. She has also written two books on related topics. More specific areas of interest include investigations into the role of sleep impairment in recovery from trauma, anger, and physical health complications in the maintenance of and recovery from PTSD. Dr. Galovski is a national trainer of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and has disseminated the intervention across numerous patient populations and healthcare systems. Over the last decade, she has personally trained over 1100 mental health providers nationwide in CPT. Finally, Dr. Galovski continues to investigate gender differences in PTSD clinical presentations and treatment outcomes. She served as an Associate Editor of one of the top trauma journals, Journal of Traumatic Stress , for a decade.