Who do I need to see?

[dreamsiclex]

Basically, I’m scared of everything. I have terrible anxiety that whilst it fortunately doesn’t stop me doing things - it doesn’t allow me to enjoy them properly.

I’m scared of planes, lifts, heights in general, I get scared when abroad on holiday incase someone kidnaps me in a taxi or spikes my drink (I know we should be cautious about this anyway but it’s a next level of anxiety where I won’t even drink the complementary juice they left in the mini fridge in our room for fear someone’s put something in it.) I overthink everything. The list goes on and there’s not a moment where I’m not thinking the worst about something.

I know this isn’t a normal way to live and I need help. I’ve tried hypnotherapy which didn’t seem to do much for me. Who would be the best professional for me to see to help with my anxiety?

Your first port of call is your GP

@Fortheloveofus I would go to my GP but I don't want medication and I don't want to be sat on a waiting list for 2 years. I would like to go down the private route of getting help asap as I'm tired of living like this.

Counselling. They can given you an initial assessment and then go from there

Nobody can force you to take medication but I understand the waiting list comment. Your GP will also be able to signpost you to private counsellors, though, so you might have to pay but the waiting list will hopefully be shorter. There are even online CBT courses you can refer yourself to. Do some research online and see what's out there but I would still want to be referred to someone by my GP rather than source someone random online.

You can ask your GP the best options and then go private.

You don't want to spend time and money on the wrong thing.

Your GP would likely refer you to your local IAPT and you wouldn’t have a 2 year wait. It could be a few months though depending on your area so you could always look for private CBT therapists if you’d rather not be waiting.

I've got to say, while not having precise answers, that I don't agree with most of this advice.

CBT is an absolute load of bollocks usually delivered by minimally trained people. A sticking plaster for an amputation. I don't know anyone that it has ever helped. It's a cheap and easy way to get people off GP lists and tick boxes but I don't believe it has any clinical value or impact.

You need to research local private mental health service providers - this might be a typical description:

Private psychiatric and psychological services for in-patients and out-patients.

I know several people for whom CBT has been utterly transformative but I think l, like with any form of therapy it can sometimes take a few attempts to match with the right counsellor.

I've done IAPT and found when after a few sessions I wasn't getting what I needed to out of them, they matched me with a different therapist which was really helpful. It was actually the 3rd therapist that I stuck with. They were keen to make sure the sessions worked for me and that the matched me with a counsellor who was rightly qualified for my needs.

Can you share your general area? As someone might know someone really good.

You need a therapist with an adaptable approach. And make sure they are approved, by the BACP. Heres the website:
https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/using-our-therapist-directory/

You can put in your area, and then read the profiles to find someone who you think will help you. My therapist did an initial free consultation.

And its absolutely ok to meet one, decide they arent for you, and try someone else.