The application of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for a client with posttraumatic stress disorder secondary to past physical, psychological, and sexual abuse is presented to include presenting complaint, assessment, course of treatment, and follow-up. The usefulness of CPT with abuse survivors is discussed, focusing on CPT's combination of exposure and cognitive-behavioral techniques. The provider of care in this case was a paraprofessional working at an Air Force outpatient mental health clinic. This case study illustrates how the use of paraprofessionals to support treatment plans can result in successful outcomes. Treatment implications of the case for settings with limited professional staff and managed care settings are discussed, along with recommendations to clinicians and students.
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