anyone tried CBT?

[Amanda150]

hello…has anyone tried CBT for tinnitus, and did it help? Or any other therapy you can recommend?

[Happyrosie]

Amanda, I’ve been on this site for more than four years. During that time many people have said they have benefited from CBT, or similar.

If you haven’t done so already, do look at the website of Tinnitus UK where you will find much help and tips.

[daverussell]

In my experience, CBT is a good starting point. Like any therapy you need to be in the state of mind which I know sound contradictory. You have to be ready to move on and want it to work. CBT may offer you that small step or it might be just what you need. As it happens, last week I started seeing a therapist one-to-one. I have other ghosts in the closet - ones I suppressed for two-thirds of my life (I'm now 49). We haven't chosen a course of action, but I just know I'm ready (and need) to face my demons. Though this is just the next step of a better way of managing them myself.

It's as much about finding the right person for you, on which only can have the final say.

Keep an open mind! You can do this!

[Graham-E]

Hi Amanda, yes I’ve had a few CBTs over the years and I think they do help.

Maybe not immediately but it’s something like exercise for the body that you need to keep doing. Think of it as exercise for the brain.

My T is very intrusive and with my loss of smell and taste has caused D.

Taking medication for my D has helped me a lot with the CBT. If I’d have known I would have taken meds a good while ago.

Having said that CBT needs to be taught well to have the best impact. I’ll be honest some therapist are better at it than others. Through the NHS you are assigned someone so you have no choice who you have. They are all good but generally not trained in CBT for T.

Hope this helps

G

[Doxiemom1 in reply to Graham-E]

Hate to ask but what is D?

[richard56 in reply to Doxiemom1]

Depression ?

[Doxiemom1 in reply to richard56]

Oh yeah. The big D

[RussianB]

What does D mean ?

[Britomartis29]

What is CBT? What is D? It helps to spell out acronyms for the first time at least. Google gives several definitions for each of these, seemingly unrelated to tinnitus…

[Amanda150 in reply to Britomartis29]

CBT is cognitive behaviour therapy, its often recommended for Tinnitus, I was just asking if anyone on here had personal experience of it.

[Bbcoach]

Hello Amanda. Just a brief background. My tinnitus started in January 2022. After many doctors, audiologists, ents etc..., with no help I found myself developing insomnia and depression. My GP put me on anti-depressants which did help with insomnia and I also started seeing a CBT therapist October 2022. The first couple of sessions were a little uncomfortable but once I got to know and trust her she really did help me deal with the emotional side of tinnitus. Unfortunately she left that practice but I since have found another wonderful therapist who has really helped me a lot. He also has tinnitus so he does know about this condition. I know from reading some comments here that CBT is not for everyone but it certainly has helped me. As with anything, you have to be willing to do your part with the therapy. I wish you the best!

[Sonnybee]

Hi there Amanda. I personally read a cbt book which I purchased on amazon called living well with tinnitus. Its a workbook that you complete over a period of time. I found it superb, and had several light bulb moments whilst reading it. The main one being how important and elevated I was placing my tinnitus in my life!! Depending on where you live, there may not be any tinnitus based cbt options available, so this might be of help. Getting over tinnitus also requires some time also. Take care.