Has anyone seen a psychologist??

[Carla]

My GP has recommended that I do, but quite apart from the fact that her hourly rate would feed an army for a week, I wonder what sort of stuff they dredge up? She said she uses behaviour cognative therapy, whatever that is!

Anyone with any knowledge/experience? Have to go and pick up dds now, but would really appreciate some advice and will log on when I get back.

TIA XXX

I was referred by my GP to the mental health nurse for my depression and anxiety. She used the BCT and I found it quite useful. It is a way of alternative thinking in order to calm yourelf down or see things differently by asking yourself and answering a number of questions when you feel the panic/stress etc. It also uses mathods of looking at your behavour to try and identify why you feel what you feel/behave the way you behave.

It didn't cost me anything as she was an NHS nurse so I don't see why you would have to pay unless you are a private patient.

As I understand it, CBT is not about dredging stuff out ? that's analytical therapy. It's more about challenging the way you think about certain things and developing coping strategies to help with phobias, anxiety and depression. I believe it's usually short term (8, 12 or 16 weeks). I understand it's thought to have a very good success rate. You can get it on the nhs if your GP refers you, but there's often a long waiting list.

Thanks for this. I'm not a private patient, but the list of people my GP gave me all had a minimum waiting time of 2 months, so I guess she felt the NHS waiting list would be too long. So, (and I'm just asking your opinion) would you give it a go if you were me?

I found a private "counsellor" who came recommended, and she teaches CBT. I had delayed post natal depression and have to date had 4 sessions and it's working really well. It's 35.00 per session but well worth it.

I've heard good things about CBT.

CBT can be very helpful. I have two friends with ME who found CBT invaluable in the treatment of their symptoms. It is very practical and not all about blaming your probelms on Mummy IYSWIM

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Thanks for all of this. HMB, you have put my mind at rest - blaming it on Mummy is exactly what I didn't want!!! (Not that I have anything at all to blame my mum for, she's wonderful!)

It does seem from what you say it might be worth a go. I'm on her waiting list so like I said have to wait a couple of months anyway.

Bagpuss, the person you're seeing seems incredibly inexpensive compared to the lady I'm going to see (£100 hr). Why should there be such a huge difference in the scale of fees, I wonder? Do you mind me asking what part of the country you're in? I wonder if that has something to do with it? GP recommended her and I don't think she would if she felt I was going to be ripped off, but it does seem like a big difference.

XX

Carla - I am in Reading, Berkshire. I thought she was very reasonable too, as another I had been recommended was over 100.00! Where do you live?

Oxford, Bagpuss, so not a million miles away from you.