Skip to content

Here's Why I'm Here — Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

In this video, part 1 of 4, Veteran Christopher Tyler shares a snapshot of his experience with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a type of PTSD treatment.

Transcript

(slow, electronic music)

- There was definitely
concerns about going

to the CPT program.

I mean,

there was a fear of

what if I go in

and it brings back
a bunch of stuff

and I leave worse?

There was a fear about,

right now I can maintain
my life somewhat,

what if I go into this thing and

I can't maintain anymore?

That was probably
the biggest fear

about going into the
program, period, for me.

Coming out possibly
worse than I already was.

You know, it was just

do or don't.

So I chose to do.

Said I'd make a video

before I went to treatment, so.

So, I'm really
nervous right now.

I have...

I'll be leaving at
seven in the morning.

Supposed to be there

checking into a Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder clinic.

There'll be 32 other vets

that went through
so much situations

and things like I have,

and

hopefully, after 22 days,

I'll come out a happier
and better person.

And not feel so
anxious all the time.

(downtempo music)

For the first week, you get to
write your impact statement.

Write everything down as far as

what was going on with our life.

Here's why I'm here.

Basically, it talks
about my traumas.

Not specific traumas, but,

what had effected on my life.

What things were
different with me,

and how I reacted
to my environment

and the people around me.

Just the way I viewed my life.

(apprehensive music)

And I wrote down,

I didn't really enjoy
the things I like to do.

I just started becoming
really distant from my family,

my friends.

I kinda pulled away
from my spouse.

We got divorced.

In the restaurant, I had to
sit with my back to the corner,

make sure I could
see all the exits,

where the possible
threats were at.

Loud noises would trigger me

and I'd jump out of bed
and be on the floor.

I kinda hit rock bottom.

Debating on taking my
own life at one point.

And just was really
depressed all the time,

in and out of relationships.

Family didn't really understand,

and maybe thought I was
mad at them or whatever.

Wasn't the case at all.

(slow electronic music)

It's extremely hard to
write your impact statement.

It's kinda coming to
term with yourself,

looking yourself in the mirror.

It's very key

to starting the entire
process, actually.

Published At