Laura Brennan, Ph.D.

Psychotherapy | Cognitive Processing Therapy

 

Psychotherapy

Engaging in psychotherapy is a very personal process. It involves shoring up existing strengths and better understanding the challenges that distance you from your values. As a clinical psychologist, I am highly trained in various evidence-based practices - including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Family Systems, and Interpersonal Process approach - to help people reconnect to their values, lives, and loved ones. I work to tailor these practices to best meet your needs and to appreciate your unique cultural, family, and social histories and stories. All the while, I encourage collaboration and honest feedback between us as we engage in this process together.

I work with people struggling with

Anxiety
Depression
Stress management
Psychological trauma and PTSD
Shame or guilt
Grief
Navigating life's transitions
Parenting stress
Perinatal mood disorders
Family or relationship conflict
Communication and emotional expression in relationships

 
 

Cognitive Processing therapy (CPT)

CPT is a more structured, time-limited approach (ranging from 6-24 sessions) for treating trauma-related disorders. Grounded in cognitive theory, this highly effective treatment helps people to better recognize and address patterns of thinking and feeling that contribute to being “stuck” in the process of healing from trauma. CPT does not require retelling the details of your trauma unless you believe this is important to your recovery from PTSD and traumatic stress. Instead, through CPT we will explore the trauma-related beliefs and narratives you may have developed to explain the traumatic event or events. These often implicit, unhelpful beliefs, or “stuck points,” serve to perpetuate feelings of self-blame, shame, fear, or anger associated with the trauma. Our work will enhance your ability to recognize and re-evaluate these thoughts in more skillful ways, to shift emotions related to trauma, and to reduce avoidance-related patterns that may limit your life.

For more information about CPT, please visit:

https://cptforptsd.com/
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/cognitive_processing.asp