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Original poster

was going to name change but couldnt be arsed [sad]

83 replies

nailpolish · 09/03/2009 17:06

tell me what they do at CBT
i start tomorrow at 9am
really worried and feel like crying im so worried
its cos i have no idea what happens at the appt
its a whole hour

OP posts:
MargaretMountford · 09/03/2009 17:09

it'll be fine,really - and CBT is so good...I had it a long time ago now- about 13 yrs,maybe 14 - for OCD - it involved just talking about levels of anxiety and showing me the unlikelihood of the bad things I imagined happening actually happening..to put it very briefly - also did some relaxation exercises. It's nothing to be frightened of and will relieve your anxieties I'm sure...good luck

Hassled · 09/03/2009 17:10

My DD had CBT. It was wonderful. The counsellor woman basically taught her coping strategies - how to identify what triggered her temper/panic attacks/bouts of tearfulness/depression, how to recognise the signs, and how to head it off at the pass. Rationalising her thoughts, that sort of thing.

So if X happens it will make me feel like Y and then I must learn to do Z.

She is a much happier girl now - took some time to learn to put th strategies into practice, but she's getting there.

You will be fine. Panic not

dizzydixies · 09/03/2009 17:11

oh no naily, am sorry that you're feeling so down but this could be a hugely positive step for you, try to see it as a chance for a new start

at least you know where to find your car key ffs

MargaretMountford · 09/03/2009 17:11

much better put than me Hassled !!

Original poster
nailpolish · 09/03/2009 17:12

do they ask lots of questions

cos i dont actually know the answers

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Original poster
nailpolish · 09/03/2009 17:12

oh dizzy

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MargaretMountford · 09/03/2009 17:14

nothing you won't be able to not answer,if that makes sense - there's no wrong or right answers..they want to know how you feel about a situation,what reaction you would normally have and will suggest how you might see that reaction another way

Original poster
nailpolish · 09/03/2009 17:15

i think im just going to sit and cry the entire hour!

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muffle · 09/03/2009 17:15

Nailpolish it's fine, reassuring, normal, chatty and relaxed IME. The first session, they talk about what's bothering you, and you and the counsellor agree on "goals" ie what you want to achieve and where you want to get to (for me it was to be less of a worrier in general - nothing mysterious!)

They may also begin with a few simple excercises to try eg for me, when I catch myself worrying, to do a breathing exercise and focus on the present, eg the room I'm in, and what I can sense immediately (as opposed to where my mind runs off to if I let it).

It is really nothing scary or intimidating and the time flies. I used to rabbit on and run over my hour regularly

dizzydixies · 09/03/2009 17:15

there will be questions, yes BUT they're not there to confuse you or catch you out if you see what I mean

its not a test, its a chat and see where it goes from there

muffle · 09/03/2009 17:16

So cry - if you are stressed or anxious, letting it out in that way when you first go s quite normal. They will have seen it all before! There was a big box of hankies at my one!

dizzydixies · 09/03/2009 17:18

nothing wrong with crying if thats whats needed

Original poster
nailpolish · 09/03/2009 17:19

what i get anxious about though is solid

like
a my dad
b my job
c stupid things like dh leaving his pants on the floor

they all make me cry and a counsellor cant fix them

although with c i suppose i could learn to not be bothered

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dizzydixies · 09/03/2009 17:20

they might not be able to deal with the issues but they can teach you ways to deal with the anxiety iyswim?

MargaretMountford · 09/03/2009 17:20

I spent a lot of time with my hands in hospital bins addressing my anxieties about washing/germs - that was uncomfortable and difficult, but on the whole it was a very good experience and it really worked. The therapist wore a shed load of make up which used to fascinate me to btw...

Hassled · 09/03/2009 17:21

They are well used to people crying for the full hour. They'll ask you a lot about your past, probably, and the history of how you're feeling.

But remember that they know the right questions to ask - they'll phrase them properly and sensitively. They know how to ask the right sort of leading questions.

Original poster
nailpolish · 09/03/2009 17:21

yes i suppose thats the whole idea sorry to witter on

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MargaretMountford · 09/03/2009 17:21

what dizzy just said..you learn strategies to deal with the issues

Hassled · 09/03/2009 17:22

A CBT therapist can fix a) b) and c) - they are bloody wonderful. It won't be easy and it will take time - it won't make issues go away, but it will sort the way you respond and your ability to cope.

MargaretMountford · 09/03/2009 17:22

it's natural to be anxious about it, but you'll be fine !

Original poster
nailpolish · 09/03/2009 17:22

oops that last post of mine was the dizzy

the therapist is a man
i was a bit disappointed about that but i dont suppose it matters
as long as he is nice!

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Original poster
nailpolish · 09/03/2009 17:25

thanks girls

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MargaretMountford · 09/03/2009 17:26

report back won't you ? I wish I could have a top up actually !

Original poster
nailpolish · 09/03/2009 17:27

ok i will

one more thing - is it totally confidential? do they tape it or anything? does the gp get to see everything thats said or just a report back

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FioFio · 09/03/2009 17:28

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