CBT, what to expect? Any positive stories?

[The_Sensei]

Hi Guys

My doctor has given me a referral to see a phychologist to deal with some depression and anxiety issues I have been dealing with the past few months. I have been seeing a counselor through work which I find does help.

Wanted to hear from some people who have had success with CBT and also what I can expect going in.

Thanks

[BballJ]

Hi The Sensei,

I think everyone's experience with CBT will be different, I like to think mine was somewhat successful, even though I fall back into my anxiety ruts every now and then, I am a lot better than what I was. I actually didn't even know my psychologist was doing CBT until I asked and felt this satisfied feeling as they were asking a lot of questions about my anxiety and then breaking it down and trying to get to the root causes of it which helped me understand it better and get it under control. I think the best thing is don't go in with expectations and take it for what it is and let the psychologist simply speak to you and answer the questions as openly as you can.

My best for you,

Jay

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi The Sensei,

Thanks for your post!

There's a great post currently going on talking about CBT which might be really helpful to read -

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/permalink/qnx_b3HzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

As to what to expect; usually the first session (or two) is about getting to know you and your history. It's important that you can find a psychologist who you can click with and be open to sharing your thoughts and what's going on for you.

Ultimately CBT is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and it's core focus is around how thoughts affect feelings that affect behaviours. A lot of our thinking is automatic, but it's also flawed. So first it's about recognising what those thoughts/feelings/behaviours might be and then it's about making steps to change it - like being able to reframe our thinking or change our behaviours.

I personally have done the therapy and found it very helpful. I've done other therapies too but I find CBT is a good core therapy because I keep coming back to it; knowing that I always need to check the thoughts and beliefs that I have about myself.

Hopefully this makes sense! If it doesn't I can try and throw some examples out there but otherwise good luck with your psychologist!

[Dr_Kim]

Hi Sensei, I am glad you are finding your work counsellor helpful.

I think the comments from Community members are pretty spot on. CBT is a very common form of therapeutic intervention which concentrates on looking at what thoughts are produced by the person and how one behaves and feels in response to those thoughts. The therapy isn’t necessarily about changing the thought ( although that often follows) , but about reacting and feeling differently to it. Giving less power to affect you and giving it more perspective. Seeing the thoughts for what they are , which is often kind of “negative" or “over reacting” or “catastrophising” or whatever…

It is the most studied form of therapy so it has the most research done about it. The success rate is good but like with almost any therapy it improves the more you put into it. If you do the exercises that your therapist gives you and try do some of the challenges between the sessions, then you are more likely to have a better outcome.

I certainly think that it can be as good as or better than medication for most people with mild to moderate depression … and with fewer side effects !

[Arthouse_Ragdoll]

My experience was sort of meh with CBT. Most of the time my therapist just listens to me talk about my relationship and she talks about her dogs or kids... hasn't been very helpful I must say.

[BballJ]

Hi Arthouse_Ragdoll,

I would be looking for a new therapist, sounds like the one you have isn't working for you, so maybe a trip back to your doctor and asking to see a new psychologist may benefit you.

My best,

Jay

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Arthouse_Ragdoll,

I just wanted to jump in here and say that your therapist talking about her dogs and kids isn't really appropriate! Generally there's a bit of a guideline to only really talk about yourself as a therapist when it's really important to the conversation or/and it can benefit the client in someway. It doesn't sound like it's benefiting you at all. Your therapist needs to talk to someone else about these things! This is your time and it should be treated as such.

I highly agree with Jay/BballJ in that it might be worth finding a different therapist. Alternatively, you could have a chat to your current one about how you're feeling and what you want to focus on.