Hi I am thinking of trying CBT to ease my anxiety has any one found this beneficial?

[bigbunbun3]

[binks]

I think the important factor in CBT is the therapist - you have to feel a connection. My GP prescribed several sessions on the NHS a few years ago but the therapist was just out of uni (I am 54) and ran the sessions like a seminar which was awful. The "homework" worksheets I was given would have done a Y9 PHSE class and so my confidence in that particular CBT was doomed. Over the past 20 years I have tried other CBT therapists and some tended to be an expensive recap of my earlier life experiences - all well and good but it got a bit predictable and non productive in the end. I eventually saw a psychiatrist for extreme nausea linked to anxiety and I found this to be much more helpful and I had to pay. Hope this doesn't sound too negative, my daughter had CBT in her second year at uni for an eating disorder and it saved her life.

[ausems in reply to binks]

I haven't tried CBT for IBS but did have 4 sessions of Hypnotherapy a year ago, and found these very helpful in teaching me how to relax and stop worrying constantly about my stomach. The one I saw took referrals from the gastroenterology department of a local hospital so was experienced in helping IBS sufferers. The condition doesn't seem to have any cure - it's a question of trial and error and hopefully hitting upon something that helps. From a recommendation on this site I recently started taking a product called Kolanticon, and have found this helps me a lot, especially with wind, bloating and nausea. Good luck to you!

[PatV in reply to binks]

Being able to talk about what I'm going through NOW is most helpful!

[PatV in reply to binks]

Yes, mine too, my daughter has TBI and CBT among other therapies got her life back . My prayers are answered

[Socialite]

I found my CBT so useful when i had anxiety depressive illness that after my own recovery I took a course and incorporated it into my counselling/coaching practice. The right match between client and therapist is important and you should be able to ask for someone else if its not working between you. I make that quite clear on my first (free) session with a client- if you are already anxious you don't want to be intimidated or frightened by the person who is supposed to be supporting you!

On the IBS front, anxiety and stress sets off symptoms and especially bloating (that's depressing feeling like a whale ). I use CBT type rational, reasonable thinking to help me treat myself kindly, get some perspective on my fears (false expectations appearing real) and wait for the episode to pass.

Hope this helps a little. I wish you well.

[sapiens42]

YES - IT HELPS TO OBJECTIVY ANXIETY SO IT IS 'OUT' RATHER THAN 'IN'

[bigbunbun3 in reply to sapiens42]

Hi Sapiens42 thank you for your reply. Very positive

[bigbunbun3]

Hi thank you I will look into that.

[PatV]

What is CBT?

[bigbunbun3 in reply to PatV]

It stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. A therapist tries to help people overcome common emotional problems. This is very new to me so I am not an expert.

[trishyb59 in reply to PatV]

hi PatV. ive just looked it up Cognitive behavioral therapy haven't read up on it yet . Trisha [ Ireland ]

[AfricanSheila]

If you want a simplified version of CBT (not too many homework sheets) google "livinglifetothefull" and you will find and online version (for anxiety) on a website.. Benchmarked by NHS so it's a reliable site.

[PatV]

OK makes sense!!!

[Em46]

Yes I would definitely give it a try, either taking part in group therapy, or on-line, I've found both to be v. helpful. Good luck.

[bigbunbun3 in reply to Em46]

Thank you Em46, it is so good to have this site, I have learnt a lot from other peoples advice.