MissChief, you don't sound very good? I thought CBT was supposed to be good partly because it doesn't make you go over all the old bad stuff, as traditional psychotherapy does. Isn't it supposed to be positive, concentrating on the here and now rather than possible underlying psychological reasons? I've not had CBT myself though.
Maybe if you are not that well physically at the moment, you have too much on your plate to concentrate on the CBT and do the homework at the moment? Maybe it is too soon for you. Are you working as well? As MOH says, don't feel it is a defeat to take the ads if you are feeling so bad. As you know, I fully understand and empathise that you would prefer to avoid it but the most important thing is that you are ok.
For myself, I honestly think that I am benefiting from the SJW which I have been taking for over a month now. I am also taking a 5HTP tablet in the evening which may be helping too. I am not feeling 'rushy' or particularly 'high'. All the old problems and sadnesses (and some of the (irrational?) anger)) are still there. But I am finding that I am achieving more in terms of what I get done each day. Before I started taking SJW and 5HTP, I was having trouble just getting through the day in terms of organising food to eat, washing and clothes to wear, etc.. I wasn't really doing anything else and couldn't even think about looking for a job. I just felt exhausted and confused all the time. So it is a big improvement and, if things carry on this way, I will look to start working again. I can't believe it is just a placebo effect? I feel much calmer. I have had car problems and other stresses but I've managed. I didn't take the tablets for 3 days a week or so ago (just got lackadaisycal about it) and dd tipped red shower gel on the carpet. I lost my temper and shouted at her really badly. I felt awful and went straight back on the SJW/5HTP. To my mind, it's no coincidence that the only time I have lost my temper in the last 3 weeks or so was when I hadn't been taking them.
I've had health problems recently in terms of chest infections and asthma and I have felt tired all the time, heavy muscles, aching bones etc.. I still feel really tired but it is like a good tired instead of a bad tired, IYKWIM? I have also been taking a multivitamin/mineral, Omega oils, Coenzyme Q10 and Chromium. (I was determined to give anything a go in order to avoid the ads, even if it is more expensive that paying for a prescription.) Maybe some or all of these have helped? I'm not sure which ones but something is definitely working. I might even have enough energy to do some exercise.
Anyway, I am feeling better if not great. I was curious as to whether you might be feeling better too (as I knew you were using SJW) and I'm sorry that you aren't. BTW, don't feel you have to be the 'natural'/herbal cheerleader just because you started the thread. Don't feel you have to post at all. Obviously, if you've got flu, you feel rubbish and have to recover first. When you feel better, perhaps you could speak to the CBTherapist and ask whether it is normal that you should feel worse not better? Is it meant to be hard at first because you are making big changes? If not, could you change therapist? It's important to find someone that you feel relaxed with.
Hope you're ok.