I'm not sure my therapy is really working

[MX416]

I have had anxiety at varying degrees for many, many years. I have been on meds for about 13 years now and have finally given in to seeing a psychologist. She is getting me to do exercises that simulate a panic attack, such as fast breathing, heat and chair spinning. The chair spinning is what I am concerned with. I do get panic symptoms like nausea, but the dizziness is horrendous and is not what I experience when I do have an attack. The dizziness lasts pretty well for the rest of the week, though less than originally. Should I insist that I not do this exercise? My main problem is my negative thoughts that will not go away when I have to go somewhere I have never been, or somewhere too far from home in my mind. Once the perceived threat is gone, my physical symptoms ease right off.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hey MX416,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for your post.

Oh I've never heard of the chair spinning exercise! But I see where your therapist is coming from in trying to do that. I'm assuming the reason why she is doing that is to help you see (and experience) that physical reactions do not have to lead to more panic.

The dizziness does sound awful though; I can only imagine what that would feel like every session - plus you've identified that there's a perceived threat that comes before all these panic symptoms. This makes me think it's probably worth changing tactic - so instead of focusing on how you feel physically try to work through some of those negative thoughts. So yes, it does make sense to me to not do that exercise.

I think it's important to know that even though she's your psychologist, she doesn't have all the answers! Talk to her. Let her know how you feel; what you think is working and what's not. Sometimes we need to 'trust the process' but other times it's okay to call her out and say 'what's going on' or 'this isn't working for me'. Its up to your psych to adapt to you and what you need.

Hope this helps,