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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

CBT is a very good way to help us to understand our thought processes.  It’s used for people with depression and anxiety. I used it when I had severe anxiety and it really helped me to understand the healing process.

I believe if every GP in the UK (MD in the US) knew the basics of CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy) there would be millions less anti-depressants diagnosed and doctors wold be more empathetic with their patients.  If I’d understood CBT when I had my breakdown (leading to my breakthrough!) I honestly don’t think I would have suffered with the anxiety for so long.

Thoughts, Physical feelings, Emotions, Behaviour. These four elements of our being are interlinked. Each one effects the others. If you draw a chart and put them into 4 boxes with arrows linking each one, you’ll get a picture of what I mean.

Choose an issue that you are upset about, or become anxious about … then think about how you Think about it, what your thoughts are; think about the physical feelings you have when you are thinking about it; identify your emotions connected to this issue; and then look at your behaviour – do you try to run away, do you freeze?

Now … change one of these things .. either don’t run away; smile instead of frown; relax your body so you have different feelings in your body (take a deep breathe – ALWAYS take a deep breathe!); and finally choose to Think about it in a different way… decide you’re going to make a change about this thing that’s upsetting you.

I found that as soon as I understood how this worked, I immediately changed, then I worked slowly on the various aspects of my issues, and they slowly cleared. I was no longer frightened.

Please don’t spend a lot of money on expensive CBT therapists … and don’t believe them when they say it may take two years to heal …  it is not necessary to spend that amount of time drudging over the past and the things that upset you. I’m sure the therapists are very good, but it can be done in months and even if not completely healed (are any of us ever?!) you will definitely go great strides in improving.

My anxiety manifested as a Fear of Being On My Own. I don’t just mean feeling lonely, it was a terrified panic of being left alone in a room, in the office or in my home. This is rare, but no uncommon, but whatever your fear is, and being a fear of being outside is more common … it CAN be overcome, and at the very least diminished.

Please, please do contact me for guidance … based on my very recent experience in 2010, I hope that I can help you.

I now give talks on Overcoming Anxiety and would be pleased to come and talk to you and your group.

Jacquie