Cognitive Processing Therapy Training (CPT)

Upcoming Cohorts:

There are no upcoming CPT cohorts planned for the 2026-2027 training year. Please check back again later.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must:

Be affiliated with one of the 5 Region 2 Community Services Boards (City of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun or Prince William Counties) or treat clients residing in Fairfax County/City, Virginia.
Be licensed to provide therapy services or be under supervision by a licensed clinical supervisor to provide these services.
Possess a masters degree or higher in a mental health-related field.
Have at least 4 clients over the age of 16 actively receiving treatment for trauma on their caseload and be able to maintain this minimum for 6-8 months after the training.
Be available to attend the full duration of both training days.
Commit to active and enthusiastic participation in all required consultation calls.
Complete brief surveys used to evaluate the training program(s).

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Unless otherwise stated in a training program's official application announcement, all of the above criteria apply. There are programs with additional requirements and programs with exceptions to these criteria; additions and exceptions are listed within training announcements and should not be assumed applicable across programs.

Email CEBBH@gmu.edu for further information.

Training Features

Target Audience: Licensed behavioral health clinicians or those under supervision for clinical licensure treating adults/young adults
Target Treatment Population: Adolescents and adults (ages 16+) with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Training Structure:
- Two 8‑hour live virtual training days
- One 2‑hour pre‑training webinar
Post-Training Consultation:
- 6 - 8 months of weekly, closed‑group consultation calls
- Small group format (up to 8 participants per group)
Clinical Focus: Evidence‑based treatment of PTSD using Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Delivery Format: Fully virtual

Full Description

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a trauma‑focused, evidence‑based treatment shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD in older adolescents and adults who have experienced a wide range of traumatic events. CPT offers a clear, structured approach that helps clients understand why recovery from trauma can be challenging and how PTSD symptoms can continue to affect daily functioning.

The treatment focuses on identifying how traumatic experiences can alter beliefs about oneself, others, and the world, and how these beliefs shape current emotions and behaviors. A central component of CPT involves recognizing and addressing patterns of unhelpful or inaccurate thinking that may keep individuals “stuck” and interfere with recovery.

Through a successful course of CPT, clients learn to challenge their unhelpful, unrealistic thoughts about the traumatic experience, the world, and themselves, and as a result they often experience meaningful reductions in PTSD symptoms and improved quality of life.