The Successful Conclusion To My Lifelong Therapeutic Journey

Mental Health Struggles & Alcoholism It all began for me in 1997 when I entered a 28-Day Treatment Program for binge/blackout drinking. Soon after, I participated in a Mental Health Day Treatment Program and started therapy at Avalon Sexual Assault Centre. During this time I was misdiagnosed with ADHD, DDNOS and PTSD. Years past as…

Cognitive Processing Therapy – Themes – Esteem Issues

Self Esteem According to the Cognitive Processing for PTSD: A Comprehensive Therapist Manual: Second Edition by Patricia A. Resick, Candice M. Monson and Kathleen M. Chard work sheets, esteem beliefs related to self is defined as: Beliefs in your own worth. Such beliefs are a basic human need. Being understood, respected, and taken seriously is…

My Biggest Influencer Of 2025 – My CPT Therapist At CMHA

Originally Published: December 24th, 2024 2025 This morning, as I sit and type this I would say the biggest influencer in my life this year is my Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) therapist with Community Mental Health and Addictions (CMHA). We’ve been working together for over three years, this last year has been steeped in CPT….

The Distinct Languages of AA, DBT & CPT

I had an Ah-Ha moment last night. I realized that there are the distinct languages of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). August 1st, 2023 – After decades of struggle, I reentered the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous, accepted I am an alcoholic and embraced Step 1. Next, I dove…

Cognitive Processing Therapy – Understanding & Learning – The Life Skill Of Trust

Dreams Currently, I am a recovering alcoholic in a 12-Step Program with over 2 years of sobriety. This past week, I’ve had three separate dreams where I made the choice to drink. Another night this week, I had an awful nightmare where someone was trying to murder me. In the dream, I was terrified and…

Cognitive Processing Therapy – Themes – Safety & Trust & Trust Star

Information provided about Safety & Trust & Trust Star is from the CPT Week 8 Slide Presentation by Susan McDevitt, MSW/RSW – for the CPT 12-Week Group Sessions at Community Mental Health & Addictions (CMHA) Safety Beliefs About Myself Safety Beliefs About Others Trust Beliefs About Myself Self-trust involves the belief that people trust their…