Originally Posted by
freakedout
Hi Liverbird67
That is good to hear you have an appointment for CBT coming up, but I can understand your anxieties. I had CBT a couple of years ago, with a psychiatric nurse who had qualifications as a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist.
The appointments were an hour each, and the first one involved an assessment of what my symptoms were and what I was most afraid of. I have panic disorder and depression, and supposedly agora which fluctuates. The therapist was not really interested in what happened in childhood etc, but was quite focused on how she help me to overcome some of the behaviour I had as a result of my panic attacks, such as avoidance. She seemed good at understanding me, which helps, as you don't have to describe every detail.
And yes as you say the therapy challenges your thoughts and beliefs and tries to rationalize them. I didn't have to lie on a couch (thank goodness!!) I was sat in a chair as near to the door as possible, ready for my quick
escape!!
Good luck with it, I hope I have helped to alleviate some of your worries. I am sure you will find it helpful.
Freaky