I was refered by my doctor to our local mental health group, and eventually had 14 sessions of CBT , each lasting about an hour. Some of the tips helped me , but I sometimes felt I had talked for 50 mins , and just got limited advice. I have been referrred back for some more sessions and I have asked for a different therapist as the one i had was okay, but not really pushing me to succeed somehow.
I cant believe the poster who only gets 30 mins sessions, and is then forced to fill out the form in that as well. You should complain to somebody about that - if you dont it wont stop. Even the best therapist in the world couldnt succeed in 20 min sessions.
I think CBT is great for people with mild Anxiety, but for those of us with deep rooted / long term Anxiety , then its part of the medicine.
Bottom line is the NHS still isnt really geared up for mental illnesses. Having had my initial sessions, Ive had to be re-referred and then sit on a waiting list again - how ridiculous is that.