CBT Questions

[twister]

How do I go about getting to see a CBT therapist? If my doctor refers me how long is the waiting list usually and if I go private does anyone know how much it costs? I want to get cracking with it instead of sitting on some waiting list for a year whilst getting worse...

[Laurie28]

Twister,

my appointment came thru in about 2.5 months of going to the doctors. from what the gp said they try anti-depressants work that is fine and won't send you to a cbt. i refused to take the tablets therefore he pushed for an appointment

luv
lucky

[Laurie28]

I think it must depend on your area though

Take care

[Mich]

Hi Twister
Like Lucky I too havent taken my Anti-depressants, and yesterday I discussed Therapy with my Doctor, it definately depends on where you live because where I live there is a shortage of therapists so our Doctors cant refer me direct! they have refered me to my local Health service (or something!!) and They will then refer me to a councillor suitable (after assessing my medical records), all in all they said it could take up to 18mths because of the shortage (hopefully I will have overcome it by then on my own - but its always there to fall back on) it could come through sooner tho!, so get your name down ASAP.

I have had a freind who went to a councillor privately (for other reasons though!) and that cost her about £15 for 50 minutes if I remember right.

[Mich]

again though, private therapist will charge differently in different parts of the Country

Good Luck
Michelle

[twister]

I have found out that I have private cover from work so that might reduce the wait. I have to get the doctor to refer me to a psychiatrist to prove that I have panic disorder (!!???) then he can refer me to a CBT. Long winded way about it, it seems to me.

[Meg]

Every GP surgery in the country is affiliated to a community mental health team which they can refer you to.
It is unlikely that us anxiety people would see a psychiatrist- as we're not ill enough- but there are Community Psychiatric Nurses's that will assess you as well as doing 1 to 1 CBT .

Going private (employment medical cover) will mean you can see someone within days from now which will help enormously. It depends on your cover whether they suggest someone or you have to find someone whom they approve of but it's unlikely that you can pick at random. You'll need a GP referral most of the time

Paying your own way means you can see a practicioner of your own choosing . The general rate is about £35.00 hour. They should offer you the first session at a reduced/ free rate so you can just meet and discuss your needs and whether you can work together or spend quite a time on the phone doing that.



Meg

Watch your thoughts, they become your words...
Watch your words, they become your actions... Watch your actions, they become your habits... Watch your habits, they become your character... Watch your character, it becomes your destiny...

[nomorepanic]

I got to see my CBT therapist after a few weeks but I know the waiting list is long.

My partner has private health care now so I think I will see if they can do anything for me as I feel I need more CBT now. The last time I had it was over 6 years ago!

Nicola

[Laurie28]

Twister,

Any further forward with the CBT referall?

Lucky

[twister]

Yes, thanks for asking, I have found it is covered on my Insurance so I have an appointment on 3rd December at the Priory with a psychiatrist who will then forward me on to a psychologist. I have been thinking about maybe going for psychotherapy instead - anyone got any feelings on this?

[nomorepanic]

I found out that I can't get CBT on my partner's health care cos I have an existing condition (for over 2 years) - damn!

Radar - I spent 9 months with a psychotherpaist - what is the difference between that and a psychiatrist?

Nicola

[Laurie28]

In my experinces with CBT the onus is basically pushing you to do things u should be doing and documenting how u feel. I know I should be doing everything he is telling me to do i just haven't got the courage to do them. I know however alot of people have benefited from it . In my case it won't help me unless i get off my ass and work(i'm getting very pi***d of with myself).

Is psychotherapy going into your background?I'm not sure what it and I have never had it.

Good Luck whatever u choose

luv
lucky

[Meg]

Psychiatrist - assesses , prescribes and deals with illnesses and disorders of the mind

Psychotherapist - works with you to get you to recognise your issues and resolve them.

Psychologist - study of essentially healthy minds - like ours - that just need a bit of temporary help .

There is loads of overlap in all these Psychiatrist is a medical doctor - the others are not . The price paid will reflect this to !!!!

One guy I wanted to see was £400/hr.
His terrific secretary told me I sounded far too rational and well to spend that on a bit of reassurance that I was doing all the right things and the rest was down to time ..
She could do that for nothing.. . We had quite a chat and I felt much better.

I've met him since in passing for one of my projects and he laughed and said that with my newly acquired knowledge I should be helping him as he's never actually had panic or anxiety himself and just does his best to reassure panicers.


Meg

Watch your thoughts, they become your words...
Watch your words, they become your actions... Watch your actions, they become your habits... Watch your habits, they become your character... Watch your character, it becomes your destiny...

[twister]

Hi

I have read a CBT book though and do a lot of the techniques - exposure, distraction etc. so I wonder if this will help me. I try not to avoid doing things I think I may suffer more from GAD with panic attacks in times of stress. Maybe I have an underlying reason for this and a psychotherapist can get to the bottom of it....

[nomorepanic]

Radar

Thanks for clearing that up. I think I was lucky cos I got to see her very quickly and spent 9 months before I discharged myself - she was willing to carry on for ever!!


Nicola

[twister]

we learnt on my course that Psychotherapists are liable to see patients for an average of 5 years!!!

There is a new breed of them now that set limits apparently

[nomorepanic]

wow Twister.

I signed myself off cos the childhood regression stuff was not working for me and I felt it never would! I cannot change the past so why go there.

I would like to go back again but I understand the waiting lists are enormous now!


Nicola

[diana]

Hi Meg,

So which one of these Psychs. would one see for CBT? I am interested in trying this method myself. Do you feel that this is the best way to go?

Diana xxx :D

[Meg]

Hi Diana,

Lots depends on what you expect from them and what issues you need to work on.

Therapy can be great BUT you should see chinks of progress within 4 sessions. Staying in therapy long term is not proved to be beneficial.

Generally courses of 12 weeks are considered valuable. After that you should have the tools to help yourself for a while and just go back for topups as necessary.




Meg

Watch your thoughts, they become your words...
Watch your words, they become your actions... Watch your actions, they become your habits... Watch your habits, they become your character... Watch your character, it becomes your destiny...

[Lottie32]

I have been successfully attending CBT, arranged by my local GP with the Community Mental Health Team.

I mentioned psychotherapy to both my GP and my CBT counsellor with regard to dentists, and they both advised me against it. The reasons for this were:
a. CBT works, and has been scientifically proven to
b. there is no definitive proof that psycotherapy works - it does for some and not for other
c. there are lots and lots of different organisation putting forward "qualified" psychotherapists - some have degrees in psychiatric related subjects, some just have organisational qualifications
d. there are no recognised governing bodies
e. private consulations are very expensive, and it's easy to get "hooked" on a person providing a cure, and spending a fortune.

My GP advised me to try it if I really wanted to, but as the CBT was working, to just stick with that, and see what happens.

He also pointed out that if you "overload" yourself with too many things at once, you won't know which work for you and which don't. And CBT is more about learning life skills which will give you permanent ways to deal with your issues.

I'm not being negative - I've never tried it myself, so can't say if it works or not, but I decided to give CBT my full attention first, and can happily say its (very slowly) working!!

Good luck, and I hope you find something that helps you

Charlie

[diana]

Hiya Charlie,

Glad to hear that CBT is working for you. I am still not sure as to which psych. I am to see, Which one does the CBT? The Psychiatrist, Psychologist, or the Psychotherapist? The CBT definitely sounds like something I would like to atleast try!!! Please let me know which Psych. I should be seeking. Just curious , how long have you been attending CBT?

Cheers,

Diana xxx

[twister]

Hi Charlie

I am glad that the CBT is working for you and I agree it must be a very good therapy.

I was just going to mention though that if anyone wants to see a psychotherapist they should make sure they are resgistered with the British Psychological Society, which essentially means they have chartered status and have a psychology degree and further training after in counselling or specifically psychotherapy.

Emily

[Lottie32]

Hi Diana

I haven't asked my therapist what qualifications she has, but will do next time. She was provided on the NHS as part of a Community Mental Health Programme which is very prolific in our area, and I never thought to ask! I'm afraid I've been a bit blinkered - its working, so I've not asked too many questions, just accepted it!

I started in March and went every 3-4 weeks until September. Now I go every 2 months! We still haven't tried anything major, but I can now go shopping, visit the theatre, eat out and go clubbing again, which I wasn't doing when i started seeing her. I will carry on going and working on these issues for another few months, then we will start doing more difficult tasks (the idea being that my confidence / ability to cope will have increased and the more difficult things will become easier!!!)

Charlie

[nomorepanic]

Hi Charlie

I had to laugh at this bit ....

"We still haven't tried anything major, but I can now go shopping, visit the theatre, eat out and go clubbing again, which I wasn't doing when i started seeing her." [:p]

That is a major achievement in itself just doing those things. I am not at the stage that I regularly go to the theatre (I used to), and I still find shopping can be stressful.

So "Well Done" for these achievements :D


Nicola

[diana]

Hi Charlie,

Kudos!!! on all the great accomplishments. Sounds like you are doing great!!! Keep up the good work. I too will be looking into seeing a psychotherapist, and thanks all for the information that I should check when searching for one.

Cheers,

Diana xxx

[Meg]

Hi Charlie,

Thanks for all that . Extremely relevant information.

I like your GP - has common sense !

Diana, I wouldn't be too hung up on the title of the person - the therapist is likely to be cheaper than the doctors though. The important thing is their experience and track record. Ask them about what methods and theories they prefer to use and see if CBT comes up.

If you're in the USA I think lots has to do with who's registered through the HMO for insurance reasons. I know a great one in DC.


Meg

Watch your thoughts, they become your words...
Watch your words, they become your actions... Watch your actions, they become your habits... Watch your habits, they become your character... Watch your character, it becomes your destiny...

[diana]

Hi Meg,
What is the name of the one in DC? I may be able to use that one with my insurance. Thanks for all of your help and suggestions. Your help on here is priceless!!!

Thanks again,

Diana xxx

[Lottie32]

Fair point Nicola

I forgot when I wrote that that I was talking to UNDERSTANDING people!!!! :-)

Usually when talking about my problems, I have got so used to people looking at me "gone out" because I admit to having problems with shopping, having lifts in cars etc. etc. :-(

I'm meeting some people I haven't seen for ten years, for a meal tonight, and I haven't even given it a thought (and more importantly not a panic!!!)And I did all my Xmas shopping last week - so yes, I have done very well.

The next level will be harder though, it includes weekend breaks, staying with people and going abroad!

Still ... from little Acorns and all that!!!

Charlie

[diana]

Hey Charlie,
Good for you!!! Keep it up.

Cheers,

Diana xxx

[nomorepanic]

quote:Originally posted by Lottie32


I forgot when I wrote that that I was talking to UNDERSTANDING people!!!! :-)

Hi Charlie

I hope you didn't think I was being patronising or rude - I was genuinely happy for you and just reminding you not beat yourself up for such achievements.

Good luck for the meet up - should be fun :)


Nicola

[Mandz03]

Does any one know if you can get CBT at home? I just cant leave the house!

A S Murch

[Meg]

Hi Amanda,

Yes, the community mental health teams have nurses who home visit who can do the basics.
You GP will need to refer you and there will a wait of varying length depending on your location.


Meg

Watch your thoughts, they become your words...
Watch your words, they become your actions... Watch your actions, they become your habits... Watch your habits, they become your character... Watch your character, it becomes your destiny...

[Lottie32]

Nic

Of course I didn't think you were being patronising or rude!!!!! This site is great.

It's just that when you spend most of your time around "normal"??? people, it's very easy to forget that there are lots of others out there who suffer in the same way as you do, and that in fact with about a quarter of the population, I am totally normal!

I have just re-read what I put, and it sounds a bit sarcastic, which I wasn't being either. I have spent the last twenty years trying to explain that because I often don't want to eat out or go shopping with my mum, it's not because I don't love her, or want to be "part of the family". And that unfortunately, the more stressed about it she becomes, the more anxious I get! It's because it's very difficult for me to do these things sometimes!

So this site is a major discovery for me, as I seem to get EVERY symptom of anxiety when I suffer, and it's very comforting to realise that I obviously haven't got the thirty two serious and terminal diseases which I had almost convinced myself I'd got. Just general symptoms of anxiety which are suffered by lots and lots of other people, which makes me normal after all.

Thank you to everybody who has helped me with their comments and advice

xxx

Charlie

[nomorepanic]

Hi Charlie

I think we both re-read our posts and thought we were both a bit off and neither of us meant to be. What a pair we are eh? Crossed wires I think.

I am glad the site and the forum are helping and hope you continue to benefit from the site :-)


Nicola

[Lottie32]

Sometimes when I am writing on this site, I jump about because I just have so much to say.

Thinking about Nicola's comments have made me realise that in just a few months I have achieved an awful lot with CBT - and in terms of where I was last year I've improved 200 %.

Sometimes with my issues, I don't realise how far I've come (they are minor things to my "normal" friends).

So a big THANK YOU to Nicola, cos you've made me step back and realise how much better I am - I'm going to go and make sure I have an excellent weekend now!

Moral of the story - don't be too hard on yourself, and take time to step back and review your progress at regular intervals!!!!! :-)

Charlie

[Mandz03]

Thanks Rader! I have had a private appointment but didn't go it was £70 an hour i got to my gate and nearly had a nervous breakdown at the thought of having to go! I just hope i find one who will do home visits! Thanks
LOL Mandy

A S Murch

[twister]

I've got my appointment at the Priory on the 3rd December - he charges £200 an hour!

[theresa]

In my experience CBT therapists charge more than other counsellors/psychotherapists - £60-£70 as opposed to £35-40. Not sure why except that CBT is short-term whilst psychotherapy tends to be long-term. Regarding the NHS, experience will probably vary around the country but I was offered only 8 sessions, a friend who lives elsewhere had the same yet when you read about it, the recommendation is between 12 and 20. My experience was emphasis on teaching the technique with little help at helping me to actually look at the issues I raised, however other people on this site have had more positive experiences of CBT.

The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy have lists of therepists - www.bacp.co.uk. I know you can search the website for therapists in your area but can't remember if you can search for CBT people. If you phone them I think they'll send you a list.

Theresa

[nomorepanic]

Charlie - Thanks for the kind words - I am so glad that you are sounding positive and full of life - it warms me to see the change in people on here just when they get chance to express themselves. I hope you had a lovely weekend :-)

Mandy - I am sure there must be someone who would come to your home to do it. Not sure how you find them but can your GP recommend anyone?

Twister - that sounds a little too expensive for me. You will need quite a few sessions and at £200 a go you will soon run out of money!

Theresa - thanks for the link - will take a look at it. I am so glad I never paid for my treatment all those years ago. I think it should be on the NHS and we shouldn't have to pay to get better! We pay into the NHS all our lives and then they let us down!

Nicola

[twister]

Dear God Nicola I'm not paying for it! My lovely company is[8D]

[diana]

Hiya Twister!!!

Good for you, your company is paying for your services. You must work for an awesome company. Not every compnay even recognizes this disorder as a real problem. Good for you. Good luck, come back and let us know how it goes for ya!!!

Take care,

Diana xxx

[twister]

The psychiatrist I am going to see has his own website and seems a really nice bloke, very qualified and he specialises in CBT, so I am looking forward to it now.

[nomorepanic]

Twister

Good luck and let us know how it goes :-)

Nicola

[Lottie32]

I have just remembered something that might be useful for those of you who are struggling to get CBT on the NHS, and are finding private fees expensive.

Member of the Phobics Society, which covers anxiety, panic and OCD are entitled to reduced rate consulations with designated therapists in their area. This includes counselling and CBT. (Check first before you join - some areas are very sp****ly populated with relevant professionals).

The membership fee is only £12.00 per year, it is primarily a charity based organisation. Members also get a reduced rate on book and tape purchases and other benefits. There is also the opportunity to join local self help groups, and take part in research.

The web site address is www.phobics-society.org.uk/

Hope this may help some of you struggling to get treated!

Charlie

[JontyFletch]

The book that I have is the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Dummies (http://www.dummies.com/store/product/Cognitive-Behavioural-Therapy-for-Dummies.productCd-0470018380.html) (ISBN: 978-0-470-01838-5).

Anyone that's waiting to see a proper practitioner can use this book.

I did.

Don't need any pills!!!

:)

[shortstuff]

Just got my NHS referral confirmed today via CMHT. I was told it should be through in a few weeks now. Considering my GP only referred me 4 weeks ago, I think that's pretty good. He did say the NHS was making CBT more available now and that there should be shorter waiting lists.