Cognitive Therapy

[Negeen]

My neurologist keeps telling me to get cognitive therapy to help my memory. Does it actually work?

[BaronC]

Until you try, you wont know. I'm guessing they wouldn't have suggested it if the chances of it helping are zero.

Everyone reacts to therapies in different ways. Go in with your eyes wide open, ready to embrace the help and you never know, it might just help you recover. However, go in there with a determination that the therapy isn't going to aid you in any way and it probably wont.

[Negeen in reply to BaronC]

Hmm that's good advice Baron! A better attitude would serve me well anyways

[BaronC in reply to Negeen]

I talk sense, occasionally

[RogerCMerriman]

I agree give it a shot I can't see it harming.

[pauly-paul]

CBT is a fantastic therapy. It worked wonders for me in all different areas of my life BUT it requires hard work on your part. CBT works by rewiring behavioural programming and it does that by changing your perception of the 'problem' and then you acting out new positive behaviours to correct and replace the old ones through repetition.

One such example is catasrophisation!! Many of us here go through periods of over thinking something until it feels so huge a problem that we can no longer cope with it. It causes physical stress which eventually leads to ill health. It's a very negative cycle once you are on it. A typical CBT session might involve addressing the cause of the problem you are thinking about. Becoming aware of the physical symptoms it causes your body once you start over thinking the problem and then telling your mind to STOP! ... ... be aware of the silence and the momentary peace within it... ... then you actively engage in something more productive and positive and do it like it is THE most important thing you've ever done. Yes even if it is just the washing up! If your mind chatter starts up again you simply say STOP! as soon as you become aware you are doing it.

Don't kick yourself if it happens. Accept it, Stop it and move on to something positive no matter how small it might be.

By repeating this process constantly throughout the day it eventually becomes part of your routine. Eventually the times you have to say stop become less and less and you have ultimately created a new positive routine over time.

That is one basic principle of CBT that I worked on. There are many more. If you are willing to put in the time and energy it is very rewarding. If you expect to turn up and 'just be fixed' then CBT is not for you. Normally the therapist will conduct an interview before accepting you onto the programme to ensure his time and your time aren't wasted.

Hope that is helpful.

[Negeen in reply to pauly-paul]

Tottally helpful paul!

[zainey-lainey]

I don't know it works coz I forgot..teehee. my short term memory is very bad!. if they taught me anything I really would not retain the info and forget what they had said...doh

[zainey-lainey]

but I have never been given any CBT in my 4 years of recovery so if you get offered it you must try!!!! good reply Paul x

[Stardrop]

Some web sites allow you to play some cognitive games free (to start with) to improve your memory etc. they while away the time and make you concentrate, possibly speed up the brain pathways. You could try some. I'm inclined to go for the cognitive training if it's offered. You have nothing to loose and it might help. You tone your body up in the gym, why not do the same with your brain?

[Negeen in reply to Stardrop]

Good way to look at it Stardroo! I'm on Lumosity a lot so I mean actual cognitive therapy can't be much worse right?!