Need advice about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

[enquiry]

I am suffering with really bad anxiety and think that I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

How do I find a good CBT counsellor? Any advice?

thankyou

Ask your GP for a recommendation. Anyone can set themselves up as a counsellor, but your GP will know which are legit, and who the best ones in your area are.

Also, you could \link{http://www.bacp.co.uk/seeking_therapist/index.html\try this website}

Hope this helps.
Good luck.

Go to your GP. There will probably be a long waiting list for treatment on the NHS (although, not always) but even if this is the case, (s)he may be able to give you contact details for qualified clinicians who work privately (if that is what your post was getting at?). Your best bet would be an NHS clinical psychologist who does some private work as well. 'Therapists' can be largely unregulated. I would always recommend a clinical psychologist, as you know they have had the three years' doctorate training under supervision, and have broad skills in diagnosis and therapeutic techniques, in case your difficulties turn out to be more complicated in origin.

If you feel able, anxiety disorders can be quite amenable to self-help. You could try getting hold of a book called 'mind over mood'.

completely agree with fluppy, re:seeing your doctor first of all, and if you do go private, trying to see someone that works as an NHS clinical psychologist. If you do look for someone privately, don't be afraid to grill them a little as to the amount of experience they have of clients with your particular problem.

When I saw a CBT psychologist privately when I was PG, I found him via this site:-

www.babcp.org.uk/

Also, try having a look at \link{http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23069094/\this leaflet} written by clinical psychologists. It follows the basic ideas of CBT treatment. If you go on to have individual treatment, it will certainly help your progress to have looked at/started to work through this leaflet. At the very least, it should help you to understand how things came to be so difficult.

Hi I was given a place on a CBT group programme, this was through my HV and they contacted a CPN through the social work mental health org. has been really beneficial, but you have to be in the right frame of mind for it to work as I am still in denial so I listen and it makes sense but then do nothing about it. Have made really good friends who most importantly UNDERSTAND. Be wary of any tom dick or harry offering these services though as it is quite emotional and personal so you want to be in a safe and helpful environment. GOOD LUCK

hi,

i also suffer from anxiety disorder and have tried various antid's. My GP told me about a website callled moodgym - it's a free online CBT course. moodgym.anu.edu.au
Hope this is of some use , good luck.