Cognitive Processing Therapy and Progress

Well, my last CPT session went really well.  I was talking about how I had gone into a funk over the holidays and how I was trying to eliminate stressors from my life.  It was an interesting conversation.  We talked about how my lack of regular schedule at work was keeping me from being able to get into a routine.  Routines are important to me.  When I have a consistent schedule, I am able to get to the gym and workout.  When I am able to work out consistently, I feel better and look better.  I expressed how frustrated I was that I couldn't seem to find a way to get myself on a routine.  What I realized is that having a job in retail doesn't exactly lend itself to maintaining a low stress lifestyle.

I was all down on myself and one of the guys from group and pointed out to the doc and me how much progress I have made.  I thought. What Progress!?!  He went on to explain that when I first came to group, I was a hot mess.  All of the problems I had been trying to find solutions for were intangibles - worst case scenarios, even though they had little chance of ever occurring.  I stressed out about all of the things that were out of my control.  What he told me was that I need to keep a proper perspective.  What he sees is a guy that is focused on addressing tangible problems that will lead to an improved quality of life.

It goes to show you how incredibly important objective validation can mean to a vet with PTSD.  The progress I have made was so gradual that I didn't notice any change in my perspective or any changes in the way that I address problems.  I really couldn't see the forest for the trees.  My perseverance has paid off, yet I was still the last one to know!

It truly floored me.  I sat back and absorbed it for the remainder of group and felt something I hadn't dared feel in a really long time: hope.  If I persevere, stay the course, can I really make a more fulfilling and happy life for myself and my family?  Maybe I can.  Maybe I can.