I am thinking about trying Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Does anyone have any experiences with it and whether or not it has truly help rid them of anxiety, lethargy, depression, etc.?
I’m suffering from an Anxiety disorder, as well as I suspect depression, although I do not have a formal diagnosis. I’m trying to find some kind of treatment (outside of medication) to help address my frustratingly chronic idleness, isolation, and fatigue.
If any has any recommendations and advice, I would be greatly appreciative!
Hi
I have had two sets of CBT. The first was from a volunteer, in hindsight she was crap. The second was from an NHS practitioner and changed my life. You get out of CBT what you put into it. It can be very good at dealing with thoughts and feelings today and has a good reputation for treating anxiety.
I went from being stricken by fear at being in public places, for fear of being judged unworthy, to being able to sit in a cinema on my own on a Saturday night, surrounded by couples. Following CBT, I was able to join a support group, I also took a course in Mindfulness. I went from being unable to spend time with others sober to enjoying the company of others and making friends I still have. I went from being scared to put myself forward to being promoted to responsible roles at work.
I found it was really important to continue self-treating with CBT after the therapy ended. It was a long time before I was able to socialise sober and make friends. The best book on CBT is The Feeling Good Handbook by Dr David Burns. Highly recommended.
CBT is not particularly good if you want to get a lot off your chest about your past (like me). Person Centred counselling is good for that, you can talk about everything and anything you like.
CBT may not get to the heart of the matter when your problems are rooted in trauma and / or you are shut down emotionally (like me).
Despite CBT being somewhat limited, I highly recommend it and it was an essential step for me before I moved on to other therapy to deal with emotions and (now) trauma.
Hope that helps.