Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)

[jjaammeess]

Has anybody any experience of the use of CBTin the treatment of depression and anxiety.I understand that it is a short term treatment and that it is successful --------but at least that is what the proponents of the therapy say.your comments would be very much appreciated.

[scrumpy78]

I had CBT for anxiety and depression and it worked really well. I had tried counselling etc but felt that CBT really helped. I was advised to combine antidepressants with the CBT as a dual approach, and it worked, so try asking your doctor about antidepressants too. You have to be able to be less anxious enough to understand the cognitive approach and have the confidence to tackle the issues. CBT is a proactive way to combating anxiety and depression - be prepared to face your fears head on. If you prefer someone just to listen to you, then counselling is the best thing. I felt CBT worked as i could go away and actually test out my fears, and my therapist gave me the confidence to do that. I still use the techniques learnt and a year on, touch wood, I haven't had an "episode" since. ( thats what I call my bouts of depression and anxiety ) . I did feel it was not long enough for me, but I had developed a tendency to become reliant on my therapists over the years, so was afraid to go it alone, which is why I wanted it to continue. Good luck and take care x

[WoWo]

m wife did CBT for anxiety attacks and she seems to think it worked really well.

[Drisgirl]

Sorry it didnt work for me but I dont think I had a good therapist.I anticipated the replies he expected me to give - it was almost textbook stuff.

Also being claustrophobic (they were aware) I was led down three floors to the bowels of the hospital and put in a tiny room where he then excused himself to go and get notes.I was OK before I went - well semi OK :)

Just force myself now - not ideal but its that or housebound.

[Litchick]

I used it for anxiety and it worked very well! I also still use the techniques learned and have not had major anxiety since last February. Try it! And good luck!

[jjaammeess]

Thank you all very much for your very helpful and encouraging sharing of your experiences.I am surprised that CBT is not mentioned more often in body and soul because there are a lot to of threads on depression anxiety the loss of self esteem etc.