Hello!
I am having a course of CBT - after 10 years of panic/travel phobias, I am having a refresher course after I had a slight relapse about a year ago.
Anyway I'm now able to get on the overland trains ok, and buses were never really a problem. So getting to work and around London is ok.
The thing is I have a real problem with the tube. I've tried with my therapist a few times now. With her, I'm fine (apart from when the tube line splits into two and I know it stops in the tube - then I get quite anxious, but I'll do it if she is there). We had a session yesterday morning - we went one stop together and then back again. Then she said I had to do it by myself, which I did. The journey out was fine, I didn't have much anxiety. On the return journey however, I did have a momentary panic - I seemed to recover quite quickly, although I still had anxiety for the journey. I told her this and then I just couldn't get back on the tube by myself. We did another two trips with each other, but I just couldn't muster up the courage to do it again by myself.
Do you think I should keep persevering with the tube, or should I just forget it as I don't actually NEED to use the tube to get to work etc, although it would be useful. I'm just finding it SO difficult with the tube. So annoying, as the time between stops is usually very short (shorter than some of the stops between overground stations, for example). I just seem to have a real sticking point with it.
Has anyone got any advice for me? I feel a bit down about it as my therapy was going well and ultimately I want to be able to get on a plane again. I also feel a bit bad for my therapist, because she knows that I know that I just have to get on the train and expose myself to the situation, but it's too scary!!!!!