Reading the Trauma Account Aloud (CPT+A) is a CPT intervention for identifying, testing, and revising trauma-related stuck points. It helps the client move from global self-blame, danger, shame, or mistrust toward a more accurate belief while respecting natural trauma-related emotion.
Step-by-step guide
- Choose one specific stuck point for Reading the Trauma Account Aloud (CPT+A).
- Write the belief as a short sentence, not as a feeling or a long story.
- Identify the event, emotion, and thinking pattern connected with the belief.
- Use Socratic questions and evidence to test the belief carefully.
- Write a balanced alternative belief that is accurate rather than merely positive.
- Re-rate belief and emotion, then assign worksheet practice.
When to use
- During CPT when a trauma-related stuck point is specific enough to examine.
- When shame, guilt, fear, mistrust, or avoidance is maintained by a rigid belief.
- When the client can stay present enough to use structured worksheet practice.
Key phrases
L
e
t
u
s
u
s
e
R
e
a
d
i
n
g
t
h
e
T
r
a
u
m
a
A
c
c
o
u
n
t
A
l
o
u
d
(
C
P
T
+
A
)
w
i
t
h
o
n
e
s
t
u
c
k
p
o
i
n
t
,
n
o
t
t
h
e
w
h
o
l
e
t
r
a
u
m
a
a
t
o
n
c
e
.
Follow-up questions
What evidence supports this belief, and what evidence does not fit?
Is this a fact, a habit of thinking, or an understandable trauma conclusion?
What would be the most accurate balanced statement?
Alternative phrasings
We are looking for accuracy, not forced positivity.
Let us separate natural emotion from the belief that keeps recreating it.
What would you say to a friend with this same stuck point?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not argue the client out of pain or give the balanced belief too quickly.
- ⚠️ Do not require detailed trauma narration unless the CPT+A variant is intentionally used.
- ⚠️ Stabilize acute risk, severe dissociation, psychosis, or intoxication before protocol work.
Source: Resick, Monson, Chard (2017), Sessions 4–5 (CPT+A); Resick et al. (2002)
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.