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I stumbled across a few posts referencing the Lucinda Bassett program (Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety). Browsing the net, I was skeptical as to the validity of the reviews for the program. I was wondering if any of you have tried the program. For those of you who have, how would you rate the program and were the results significant and sustained?
Does it "work." Yeah, it works really well for her -she's making money on that stuff. Does it work for others? The answers range from "never" to "sometimes" to "always." Just for fun, let me do a search on Ebay and see what we come up with (goes to Ebay). I see that the price on her web site is 8 easy payments of about $60 each -that's $480 buckos. And I see that Ebay has it for about half that or less. So that gives you of an idea of how the market values it when a "free economy" is involved. And I also see that to even FIND the price on her web site involves some digging -so it appears to me she's a bit nervous about presenting her price right up front (and she's all about NOT being nervous -go figure).
But lets get down to cases here: meds don't "work," therapy doesn't "work," books and CD's don't "work," and nothing at all just "works" all by itself. It's not like a solar powered outdoor light that you stick in the ground and it just sort of lights up by itself at night. The WORK is done by YOU; your brain changes and heals just like a brokenBroken bone Broken or knocked out tooth leg or blister -the solution is all inside of YOU. The meds, the CD's, the books and baying at the moon while throwing chicken bones on the ground are ALL TOOLS.
I'm not just trying to make fun of this stuff -really I'm not. I'm trying to get across the point of view that puts you -puts anybody- in the best position to understand the entire approach to recoveryRecovery position - series. And so, back to our friend Lucinda: if her approach -the workbooks, the carry cards, the CD's and all the rest of it "connect" with you in terms of how you would feel best about handling your recoveryRecovery position - series, then give it a shot (but do it at Ebay). But bear in mind that there are no medicinal or magical properties to the 75 cents worth of plastic and paper you'll get. If it "works" at all, it will do so because YOU did the work.
My own approach was to use a psychiatrist - a livingAdvanced care directives, breathing humanHcg in urine Hiv infection Human bites Human papillomavirus vaccine who could respond to me in real time. I would have gone nutz digging out a wallet card of things to say to myself, or dashing home or to my car to listen to a CD. But THAT may be your cup of tea! If it is, pour it on. Just understand that YOU do the "work."
Sadly...all of these anxiety treatments are so popular...b/c when we are "suffering" with panicPanic disorder Panic disorder with agoraphobia/amxiety....we want a quick/fast/miracle/easy/instant cure!! JS is right....it takes time, and regardless of WHAT treatment route you take....it is YOU that does the work and has to make the changes from inside out.
I look at all of the other things (treatment modalities for anxiety) as basically a crutch for a broken leg. The crutch will certainly help you through the healing process....but if you don't get the fracture REPAIRED, the crutches are not very worthwhile. Right?
While I agree completely with the responses above, I must chime in here to relay my experience with Lucinda's program. When I ordered the program I was housebound (agoraphobic), unable to drive, and having multiple panic attacks on a daily basis. I knew I needed help and being that my finances wouldn't allow me to seek the professional help I needed and the fact that I was choosing to remain med-free, I decided to give the program a shot. By the end of the program I was taking advantage of every opportunity to leave my house, I was driving again, and the daily panic attacks disappeared. The program truly did give me my life back. But all that said I must admit that the anxiety is still with me, the program didn't "cure" me, and I know that I still have lots of work to do before I can say I am fully recovered. What I am getting at here is if you are housebound, or cannot afford to see a psychologist/psychiatrist, then by all means give it a try! Don't expect it to be a miracle cure, but you will feel increasingly better as the weeks go by.
Hope this helps you and that you feel better soon!
Once again, JS is right on the money. I once thought about trying the Lucinda Bassett program, but something told me there was something a little off with it. I mean, why is this lady on TV so much and have so many ads, etc? That shows me that it is a money thing, not a helping thing. The best things in life really are free (or at least low cost).
This may not surprise anyone who knows me on here, but I would recommend you go to the library or bookstore and get a copy of "Hope and Help for your Nerves" by Dr. Claire Weekes. To emphasize JS's message, this is not a cure all (nothing is), but it helps get you in the frame of mind that you need to be in - this is an illness and can be cured (or at least coped with easily). I have had GAD for more than 7 years now and have tried so many things, so I think by the time I read this book I was READY to be done with it. This book has seriously changed my life. I am nearly 100% anxiety free (on most days) and really have my life back. Again, I am not preaching Gospel here or anything nor am I the man with the magic elixir, but hey - reading this can ONLY help and will not hurt at all. Good Luck and remeber, until you realize that it is inside of you to heal this thing and it is a state of mind (and that state of mind is that you WANT to get better) anxiety will win every time. So don't let it.
I would have to agree with Mike and JS. You can do much better than this program.
Like all therapies in the cognitive-behavioral tradition, the behavioral part of her program, where she tries to motivate you to get out of the house and back into your preferred activities, is beneficial. But the cognitive part of the program is garbage. She gives you techniques to control your mind--e.g., to write down your negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones--that have never been tested in scientific research and that just plain do not work. For me, they made the problem worse. I got more entangled and ensnarled in my own mind, in a constant war with my thoughts and feelings. Obviously not a good plan for dealing with anxiety.
I agree with Mike's recommendation about the Claire Weekes book, and also would advise you to look into evidence-based therapies, in particular Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Academic psychologists who work in the ACT tradition routinely perform randomized scientific trials to see what parts of the therapy work and what parts are superfluous or counterproductive. It's the 21st century, treatment needs to be scientific, not based on word of mouth or folk experience.
If you are seeking a workbook on ACT, I would highly recommend "Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life" by Dr. Steven Hayes. It shouldn't cost you more than $15, and its the best self-help treatment available. Here is a link:
I just had to post a response since I have had amazing results with the Lucinda Bassett program. I picked it up on eBay for about half of the full $500 and it was a little bit older than the program they have now I think. I don't think there have been any substantial changes in a while though.
I'm 40 this year and had been to countless psychiatrists and therapists in the last ten years or so with little or no benefit. I've read just about every self help book in existence including the Hayes book mentioned above with little or no benefit. I've been on a dozen or so anti anxiety and depression meds with little or no benefit but the program worked wonders for me.
Your mileage may vary, what works for one might not work for another but the program was my last resort and saved me. Good luck and don't give up, keep looking and eventually you'll find what works _for you_.
I have tried everything even that program and what worked for me was starting a vitamin and mineral supplement eating more fish and veggies.I would write in a notebook but never go back and read it burn it throw it away something.I promise I didn't go to the store my husband did all of that for 4 years I was a hermit and barely went out alot before that.But getting a better diet and exercise helped I was so scared of having a panis attack I was scared to exercise and make my heart go fast.One thing I told myself is so what if I pass out or have a heart attack they will call an ambulance and all will be fine.I think getting closer to God and having a true friend also helped me a great deal.I have been there and wasted so much money on things even doctors and I had the power to change it all by myself.I take a childrens vitamin and mineral way less expensive and does what it is supposed to take an extra vitamin d and natural calm by peter gillham is a lifesaver the stuff really worked go to ebay or choicenutritionals.com to get it at a great price this stuff is better than taking any pill and is natural.Please don't waste your money on those things if you ever take advice take this you have the power to change your life it is all up to you.
I actually downloaded the program, because I was skeptical. It came with the workbook, audio sessions and a relaxation session. I haven't really started it yet, so I couldn't tell you if it works or not. But, if you (or anyone else here) want to try it out with absolutely no financial risk, send me a message and I'll let you know where you can download it from.
I did just get their "free" trial in the mail. I think all I've done is create more stress because my husband is now mad at me for trying something when I've not exhausted all the resources of the military network. I think I'm going to send it back but could you send me the info on the download. That might be an option. My e-mail is ***@****. I need some help my husband is deploying to Iraq and I'm scared to death I'm going to have another panic attack that could put me in the hospital. I have a child now. Anyways any help or suggestions would help.
I am agree that all depends of you, even when you go to the therapist. So from this point of view, yes you have to work, nobody will do the job for you. But this is one of the best practical material that ever found. Nothing was invented but it summarise important things to deal with. The main point is negative thoughts and how to deal with. So please, try it. It will be helpfull in some way. Use your search tool for Internet for "Attacking Anxiety & Depression Audio Tracks" and you will find the way to download. Good luck from Argentina
I am currently working on this program and feel it is helping ALOT. Ebay has it really cheap...did not know that until I bought it for like 600 bucks...but hey...seems to help...
I lived with serious anxiety issues for about 7 years, starting in my early twenties. I never wanted to admit that I wasn't happy or that I may have a problem. I finally decided I couldn't live like that any longer and decided to get some help a year ago. At the time, I didn't want to go to therapy, so I ordered Lucinda Bassett's program and began doing the work. I never knew that you could control your thoughts and learned how to repattern my brain and calm myself through the exercises in her program. The program was a jumping off point for me. I then dealt with some issues I had head on. After that, I started seeing a therapist who does resonance repatterning (feel free to google it). I also read Eat, Pray, Love and Eckhart Tolle's book A New Earth. Those books helped me tremendously. I've learned a lot from Oprah's Live Webcast with Eckhart Tolle and her interviews with other people on her Soul Series. I've been in therapy now for 9 months and I can't tell you how much better I feel. I started taking responsibility for my feelings and my mental health one year ago, and because of all of the things I listed above, I am an even better version of myself than I used to be when I was younger. It is a process and it takes time and it's a hard road, but it can be done. I did all of this without any drugs, which is my own personal choice. I think it's different for everyone so you have to find things that work for you. I also believe that meditation helps quiet the mind and connect you with God, which has brought me a lot of peace. Back to Lucinda's program... I definitely think it helps and is worth trying. I wish everyone good luck, love and peace!
It's funny how people criticize programs like this and call them scams and ripoffs and at the same time they offer their own remedies and so called cures instead.Even though they may not make any money doing it they are doing the exact same thing they are complaining about.Their just pissed that someone other than themselves is making money helping people.
pay attention!!
Whether this program is true or false is not the issue! at all!
It is hard to stop a routine whether it is a bad one or a good one.
We all suffer from anxiety in one way or another. But if we can
just stop long enough to see the problem, then the problem can be dealt with, and most of the time, cured.
My method is lots of prayer, a healthy dose of certain vitamins and minerals i.e. B6,B12,D and Magnesium. So, just try this you might be suprised at the results.
Oh by the way did I mention you need a friend who you can freely talk with and be able listen to you.
Acousticman
I am Roger in Texas and have tried many different things. I am 50 now and have suffered with depression and many other of its terrible side effects. I just wanted everyone who sees this to 'PLEASE ' pray for Roger so that he will get better and at least get better enough to keep going. Thanks to you all who pray for me , Merry CHRIST mas to you and yours and may 2009 be Blessed.
I have Lucinda's program and I belong to the chat forums. Many of people have recovered using it. I didnt finish it, but what I did do did help me. It takes time and patience's. If you feel you want to try it, go for it. There is a 30 day free trial.
I downloaded the program after having started sessions with a therapist 6 months earlier (and making SLOW progress). I followed the instructions precisely and used the tapes and workbook religiously. I saw rapid improvement and drastic changes after the first six weeks, which continued until I finished the program. That was in June 2008 and though I still might have occasional feelings of anxiety, I feel I can handle it without fear.
One thing I think every person should consider is how much they desire to get over their anxiety and depression. I had hit rock-bottom and worried about whether or not I was making real progress with my therapist when I started it. I've tried passing this program on to a couple of other people and they all thought it was corny or stupid and quit. Being a skeptic myself, I realize I would have quit this program as well if I had not reached dire levels of depression and agoraphobia. Seeing how much I had sunk made me commit to the program no matter how silly I might have thought certain parts of it were. For this program to give you any benefit, you are required to have an open mind about what it tries to teach you.
I believe that a committed person will get a lot from the program alone, but seeing a therapist in addition to the program will be more beneficial. My therapist had me learning some CBT techniques, but they were disjointed and unstructured. It was the structure of Lucinda's program that made a difference for me. However, an important part of my recovery was having a therapist. Certain questions came up for me in the program that my therapist was able to help me with even though she was unfamiliar with the program I was using. The program is great, but having a professional to help guide you is necessary as well.
Considering how beneficial the program was to my overall success over the most debilitating aspects of my panic and anxiety, it would have been worth spending the money to the buy the program instead of downloading it. I'm even considering buying the program anyways so that the makers will get some compensation for the help they've given me.
Yes! It works. It changed my life. I am angered that there are people saying it is a scam. It is not. You could have charged me $4000 and I would have paid. It is worth every penny. If it didn't work for you, it is because you were not ready to change. No one can change you, but you. Lucinda shows you how to change yourself! Lucinda is a Godsend.
Ok, HereS MY ADVICE OF HER PROGRAM. I ALSO ORDERED HER PROGRAM IN LIKE JAN OF 09" i think it doesnt really help me that well... I believe negative thinkers; or anxiety and depression comes from experiences; It has something to do with abuse... either being physically, emotionally or sexually abused...Thinking is not the root of anxiety and depression at all... It's just you have to think about the things you want in life; but it needs counseling and a lot of therapy. People who have anxiety and depression are prone to see what they really like and dislike... It also involves being a an abusive household that has nothing to do with u. Not the child's fault for bad parenting... hope that helps:D
I also bought this program. They don't tell you that although you have the option to return it, you have to pay around 15.00 to do so. And, they are very hateful when you ask them about that. They told me that if I didn't like it, all it would cost me was the 14.95 to ship to me. What a crock. The whole thing is a crock.
Cristy
I not only bought the program, but I'm also reading her book, "From Panic to Power". I honestly do think that if you are skeptical about the program and its results, then you aren't going to get the results you want. You need to go into it with an open mind, and tell yourself that you are ready to make some changes in your life. I used to suffer from anxiety, and panic attacks on a daily basis. Everything I've read has helped to change how I think. I feel like a new person, and I enjoy life so much more than I ever have before. I feel like I can take on the world. And all I had to do was think positive. Best of luck.
This program saved my life. I was 20 when I started getting real bad panic attacks and thought I was loosing my mind. I didn't know what anxiety disorder was at the time, and this was the first thing that I came across that I could identify with what they were talking about. I never did finish all the tapes in the program, as I felt I didn't need to, but you do have to be strict with the program or don't bother. I guess it depends on how badly you want to get better? I still have the tapes and just knowing I have them eases my anxiety to this day. I am now 31, and I don't have panic attacks anymore (knock on wood). It's all thanks to this program. I do still feel anxious, but I know how to control the feeling. Really, anxiety is all related to your thoughts, and if you know how to control them life will be much more pleasant. If you think the price is expensive then I guess you have to ask yourself how much do you value the happiness and calmness in your life? Really I think it is a small price to pay for a life of happiness. Feeling sceptical is normal seeings how there is so many bad programs out there, but I can assure you this is not one of them! I still use techniques from the program to help me get through some of my struggles, such as flying. I won't be able to travel if I never had bought these tapes, and that would be very sad considering all the wonderful things I have seen in my life so far! Good luck, be happy and the calmness will follow. Hope this helps you!
I tried Lucinda's program as well as numerous others over the years. In the end, I was left with a little less money and still have my anxiety and panic. Download it for free if you can and give it a try but I would not spend the money for her program.
While many are trying to prove a scam (or not) let's just say you're all commenting on the value or worth of the product. For those who find help it's invaluable, for others the "cost" outways your doubts of the product. But you would still pay that Lawyer $400 for 1/2 hour to try to get off that $125 speeding fine and that's ACCEPTABLE! Now there's a scam.
Having listened to Attacking Stress then there are some clear examples that I (you) could follow......and yes you all are correct I could have paid more or even less than this program charges. The question is whether you are prepared to accept advice, and some are clearly in that position so that this series will help {Lucinda or whoever does it). Others are not BUT you did come here to look for advice so admit it you are seeking something.
Personally though I find that the technique she uses is nothing new. And if you want a cheaper method look for the book "Changing Your Life in 7 Days" by Paul McKenna........pay $15 and get the CD with it. Is she ripping off her peers and the people she learned techniques from????
Give us a break we have ALL done that ...... just look at the way you responded to others posts.
If you just think that using Lucindas program is the end all to end all it isn't-But many years ago when there was no Internet access and many people didn't get what anxiety was about-her program had more value-Now you can find out anything on the Internet so it's a bit outdated
I came to this site about three months ago trying to find out whether or not Lucinda Bassett"s anxiety program worked or not. I tried the Charles Linden program. It explained a lot about anxiety disorders. After I finished the program I was still suffering. I decided to try Ms. Bassett's program. That's what lead me here. But what I found when I got here was a small one paragraph comment about a book that was written in the 1960's. It cost me $6.99 + .45 cent tax for a total of $7.45. This book saved my LIFE. I don't suffer anymore. I'm cured. The book is: Hope And Help For Your Nerves, by Dr. Claire Weekes. I am my old self again. I'm so thankful. I know how you feel. The constant thoughts, the fear, the muscle tension etc. Please believe me this book is amazing.
The Lucinda Bassett program is GOOD and it can work for you. I have suffered from severe anxiety/panic for 6 years and I'm here to tell you that it takes hard work and a willingness to follow the program the way it tells you to - one tape a week and work in the workbook. I have studies anxiety extensively and talked to many many people who also suffer. The thing I noticed in this program is that we all have similarities in the way we think and respond to life. The techniques in her program are similar to the ones I have read in books and that my therapist has told me to follow but the way that they are presented in the program are better and easier to practice and they cover many different angles to overcoming anxiety/depression that are important - exercise, nutrition, positive thinking, rational thinking, etc. It takes attacking anxiety/depression from several angles to beat it. I have been able to go through long stretches with no anxiety but I got back into obsessive thinking, worrying, not exercising, not going to church regularly for about 9 months and the anxiety and panic attacks came back in full force so now I'm going through the steps again to beat it. You can do it too!
Thanks so much for suggesting other ways to get the same kind of help without shelling out $500 for this program. I've been noticing my anxiety getting worse and worse and I know I need a little help finding ways to manage it but I'm not in a position financially to pay that much for it. I'm going to the bookstore this weekend to look at the 2 books you suggested. Thanks again!
i tried this program, and yes it works only for 1 reazon, the program give to you tools to faith the anxiety, and information to undestend what is this, and how to live with this problem. As every body see in this letter my english is bad and maybe you dos t undestend what I tried to say but, before this program I am about to get craizy, o I belive that. bye then my only lenguage was spanish but 1 day I heard about this problem in a comercial on TV but sounds familiar to me. I buy the program no matter what and i tried to know what do they say, I need so badly to know what is happen to me, and over and over and over tried to read the book, lissen the cds and waching the viedos i dont know how many times, with de diccionary on my hands and hope I learn a lot. tanks to this program I know what is this, and I m not afraid any more. the most sad thing is I could t find anyting in spanish. and most of the people who suffer of this mental problem think they are posses of any spirit or devil o someting unreal, and I wish somebody can give this kind of information is spanish ..
I hope everyone is doing great today, and I would like to share my
experience wiith anxiety and Lucinda Bassetts program in general.
First, I will sum it up and give you my honest feedback to get to the chase. Then I will go into more detail and share my experience. Here goes :
I dont believe Lucinda Bassetts program/ tapes are the most effective.
I am sure everyone has different experiences and / or progress. But,
I honestly think it is a waste of money and definitely not worth the investment. Why ?
1. There are numerous tapes included. Most people do not have the
time to watch all of those tapes and just give up without trying it !
Thats probably why some ppl never had any positive results.
Plus, it just added more anxiety and made my condition worse at
the time. (which is normal as Lucinda states in the program) As most ppl suffering anxiety, the typical reaction would be :: The thought of not doing it perfectly, re watching the same CD over and over uptil it is
fully absorbed , and of course dreading going through the whole process of watching NUMEROUS tapes about ANXIETY, a topic we refuse to ACCEPT or procrastinate about doing ! We have anxiety. At first, it is common to have a negative reaction or it can actually INCREASE your anxiety !
But, when do you see results or have the patience to go STEP by STEP and watch every single tape ? We are expecting instant results
1-2-3 ! Do most of us have the perserverance or positive attitude to go through the whole program simply BELIEVING it will work ? Probably NO, that is why I believe it doesnt work for everyone.
2. I definitely did not watch her whole CDS, and every single tape. Why ? Well, definitely because I couldnt go through another second of her "physcho babble talk". I find most of it to be not very helpful or too much filter and very TIME CONSUMING. I think she speaks to you like a "patient", that is in a hospital and in the recovery zone. Who wants to feel like they are in a recovery zone and making BABY STEPS to get better each day ?
I think she could have summed up her tapes, and made a realistic
1-3 CD program and charged a decent price so more ppl can
benefit. I am sure she is aware that most ppl suffering from anxiety
will not benefit if they purchase this expensive program. WHY ?
Simply, because they probably will NOT go through the whole program
STEP by STEP and will give up. Does her nonsense phsycho babble talk in numerous CDS add up ? I definitely dont think so.
What do I believe is GREAT about her program ? ( Of course,
I dont believe you have to BUY her program to adapt these principles,
and can achieve these results on your own of course elsewhere)
1. Accepted that you have anxiety, etc. Accepting it, and loving
yourself and understanding you are creative, etc.
2. Understanding the root, cause, and understanding your anxiety,
(or whatever) diagnosing the common symptoms, and simply
are more aware of anxiety and all of the effects and causes.
3. Googling positive influences that have anxiety, or even bipolar.
( ex. Einstein, Mozart, ) etc.
4. Finding ways to improve your lifestyle to decrease anxiety :
dont drink coffee, eat junk food, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
5. Write a journal everyday and notice progress. She mentions its not great to bottle your emotions inside, or over analzye any situation, etc.
6. You can chat with others who are suffering anxiety. This makes you
feel like you are not alone, and understand we have similiar experiences.
7. Meditation. She mentions meditation is very important. I
would recommend various meditation links on youtube. (cheaper)
Meditation was very helpful.
I simply believe that you dont have to purchase her whole CDS, system
to recover from anxiety. I believe that if you simply become more aware
of your condition, understand it, accept, change your lifestyle a bit,
and apply some principles, you can see results. I believe it can
be helpful, but I know there are cheaper ways to get results !
Running definitely helped me. Her tapes did help me in many ways.
Unfortunately, I didnt go through the whole CDS, but I found help
other ways, by googling more about anxiety, changing my diet,
became more positive, confident, accepting it, and stop overanalzying
things and live for the moment.
Be carefull and alert. They try to set you up to pay fees that are not clearly stated and they are nasty about cancelations. You can spend a lot of money to basically hear much about anxiety but it is not clear how much help one gets. They may try to get you to buy supplements and life management counseling from people of unknown backgrounds.
For me this program is a cruel scam. They take people that are vulnerable and sneak up on you with expenses. I will probably turn them over a an attorney and/or a consumer reporter.
But lets get down to cases here: meds don't "work," therapy doesn't "work," books and CD's don't "work," and nothing at all just "works" all by itself. It's not like a solar powered outdoor light that you stick in the ground and it just sort of lights up by itself at night. The WORK is done by YOU; your brain changes and heals just like a broken leg or blister -the solution is all inside of YOU. The meds, the CD's, the books and baying at the moon while throwing chicken bones on the ground are ALL TOOLS.
I'm not just trying to make fun of this stuff -really I'm not. I'm trying to get across the point of view that puts you -puts anybody- in the best position to understand the entire approach to recovery. And so, back to our friend Lucinda: if her approach -the workbooks, the carry cards, the CD's and all the rest of it "connect" with you in terms of how you would feel best about handling your recovery, then give it a shot (but do it at Ebay). But bear in mind that there are no medicinal or magical properties to the 75 cents worth of plastic and paper you'll get. If it "works" at all, it will do so because YOU did the work.
My own approach was to use a psychiatrist - a living, breathing human who could respond to me in real time. I would have gone nutz digging out a wallet card of things to say to myself, or dashing home or to my car to listen to a CD. But THAT may be your cup of tea! If it is, pour it on. Just understand that YOU do the "work."
OK? OK!
Sadly...all of these anxiety treatments are so popular...b/c when we are "suffering" with panic/amxiety....we want a quick/fast/miracle/easy/instant cure!! JS is right....it takes time, and regardless of WHAT treatment route you take....it is YOU that does the work and has to make the changes from inside out.
I look at all of the other things (treatment modalities for anxiety) as basically a crutch for a broken leg. The crutch will certainly help you through the healing process....but if you don't get the fracture REPAIRED, the crutches are not very worthwhile. Right?
Hope this helps you and that you feel better soon!
Cori
This may not surprise anyone who knows me on here, but I would recommend you go to the library or bookstore and get a copy of "Hope and Help for your Nerves" by Dr. Claire Weekes. To emphasize JS's message, this is not a cure all (nothing is), but it helps get you in the frame of mind that you need to be in - this is an illness and can be cured (or at least coped with easily). I have had GAD for more than 7 years now and have tried so many things, so I think by the time I read this book I was READY to be done with it. This book has seriously changed my life. I am nearly 100% anxiety free (on most days) and really have my life back. Again, I am not preaching Gospel here or anything nor am I the man with the magic elixir, but hey - reading this can ONLY help and will not hurt at all. Good Luck and remeber, until you realize that it is inside of you to heal this thing and it is a state of mind (and that state of mind is that you WANT to get better) anxiety will win every time. So don't let it.
Mike
Like all therapies in the cognitive-behavioral tradition, the behavioral part of her program, where she tries to motivate you to get out of the house and back into your preferred activities, is beneficial. But the cognitive part of the program is garbage. She gives you techniques to control your mind--e.g., to write down your negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones--that have never been tested in scientific research and that just plain do not work. For me, they made the problem worse. I got more entangled and ensnarled in my own mind, in a constant war with my thoughts and feelings. Obviously not a good plan for dealing with anxiety.
I agree with Mike's recommendation about the Claire Weekes book, and also would advise you to look into evidence-based therapies, in particular Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Academic psychologists who work in the ACT tradition routinely perform randomized scientific trials to see what parts of the therapy work and what parts are superfluous or counterproductive. It's the 21st century, treatment needs to be scientific, not based on word of mouth or folk experience.
If you are seeking a workbook on ACT, I would highly recommend "Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life" by Dr. Steven Hayes. It shouldn't cost you more than $15, and its the best self-help treatment available. Here is a link:
http://www.amazon.com/Get-Your-Mind-Into-Life/dp/1572244259/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1216439128&sr=8-2
Note that you can join his free yahoo forum and ask him questions directly. That helps.
It's a wonderful treatment, really... I can't say enough good things about it. Changed my life.
I'm 40 this year and had been to countless psychiatrists and therapists in the last ten years or so with little or no benefit. I've read just about every self help book in existence including the Hayes book mentioned above with little or no benefit. I've been on a dozen or so anti anxiety and depression meds with little or no benefit but the program worked wonders for me.
Your mileage may vary, what works for one might not work for another but the program was my last resort and saved me. Good luck and don't give up, keep looking and eventually you'll find what works _for you_.
Whether this program is true or false is not the issue! at all!
It is hard to stop a routine whether it is a bad one or a good one.
We all suffer from anxiety in one way or another. But if we can
just stop long enough to see the problem, then the problem can be dealt with, and most of the time, cured.
My method is lots of prayer, a healthy dose of certain vitamins and minerals i.e. B6,B12,D and Magnesium. So, just try this you might be suprised at the results.
Oh by the way did I mention you need a friend who you can freely talk with and be able listen to you.
Acousticman
One thing I think every person should consider is how much they desire to get over their anxiety and depression. I had hit rock-bottom and worried about whether or not I was making real progress with my therapist when I started it. I've tried passing this program on to a couple of other people and they all thought it was corny or stupid and quit. Being a skeptic myself, I realize I would have quit this program as well if I had not reached dire levels of depression and agoraphobia. Seeing how much I had sunk made me commit to the program no matter how silly I might have thought certain parts of it were. For this program to give you any benefit, you are required to have an open mind about what it tries to teach you.
I believe that a committed person will get a lot from the program alone, but seeing a therapist in addition to the program will be more beneficial. My therapist had me learning some CBT techniques, but they were disjointed and unstructured. It was the structure of Lucinda's program that made a difference for me. However, an important part of my recovery was having a therapist. Certain questions came up for me in the program that my therapist was able to help me with even though she was unfamiliar with the program I was using. The program is great, but having a professional to help guide you is necessary as well.
Considering how beneficial the program was to my overall success over the most debilitating aspects of my panic and anxiety, it would have been worth spending the money to the buy the program instead of downloading it. I'm even considering buying the program anyways so that the makers will get some compensation for the help they've given me.
Cristy
Having listened to Attacking Stress then there are some clear examples that I (you) could follow......and yes you all are correct I could have paid more or even less than this program charges. The question is whether you are prepared to accept advice, and some are clearly in that position so that this series will help {Lucinda or whoever does it). Others are not BUT you did come here to look for advice so admit it you are seeking something.
Personally though I find that the technique she uses is nothing new. And if you want a cheaper method look for the book "Changing Your Life in 7 Days" by Paul McKenna........pay $15 and get the CD with it. Is she ripping off her peers and the people she learned techniques from????
Give us a break we have ALL done that ...... just look at the way you responded to others posts.
I hope everyone is doing great today, and I would like to share my
experience wiith anxiety and Lucinda Bassetts program in general.
First, I will sum it up and give you my honest feedback to get to the chase. Then I will go into more detail and share my experience. Here goes :
I dont believe Lucinda Bassetts program/ tapes are the most effective.
I am sure everyone has different experiences and / or progress. But,
I honestly think it is a waste of money and definitely not worth the investment. Why ?
1. There are numerous tapes included. Most people do not have the
time to watch all of those tapes and just give up without trying it !
Thats probably why some ppl never had any positive results.
Plus, it just added more anxiety and made my condition worse at
the time. (which is normal as Lucinda states in the program) As most ppl suffering anxiety, the typical reaction would be :: The thought of not doing it perfectly, re watching the same CD over and over uptil it is
fully absorbed , and of course dreading going through the whole process of watching NUMEROUS tapes about ANXIETY, a topic we refuse to ACCEPT or procrastinate about doing ! We have anxiety. At first, it is common to have a negative reaction or it can actually INCREASE your anxiety !
But, when do you see results or have the patience to go STEP by STEP and watch every single tape ? We are expecting instant results
1-2-3 ! Do most of us have the perserverance or positive attitude to go through the whole program simply BELIEVING it will work ? Probably NO, that is why I believe it doesnt work for everyone.
2. I definitely did not watch her whole CDS, and every single tape. Why ? Well, definitely because I couldnt go through another second of her "physcho babble talk". I find most of it to be not very helpful or too much filter and very TIME CONSUMING. I think she speaks to you like a "patient", that is in a hospital and in the recovery zone. Who wants to feel like they are in a recovery zone and making BABY STEPS to get better each day ?
I think she could have summed up her tapes, and made a realistic
1-3 CD program and charged a decent price so more ppl can
benefit. I am sure she is aware that most ppl suffering from anxiety
will not benefit if they purchase this expensive program. WHY ?
Simply, because they probably will NOT go through the whole program
STEP by STEP and will give up. Does her nonsense phsycho babble talk in numerous CDS add up ? I definitely dont think so.
What do I believe is GREAT about her program ? ( Of course,
I dont believe you have to BUY her program to adapt these principles,
and can achieve these results on your own of course elsewhere)
1. Accepted that you have anxiety, etc. Accepting it, and loving
yourself and understanding you are creative, etc.
2. Understanding the root, cause, and understanding your anxiety,
(or whatever) diagnosing the common symptoms, and simply
are more aware of anxiety and all of the effects and causes.
3. Googling positive influences that have anxiety, or even bipolar.
( ex. Einstein, Mozart, ) etc.
4. Finding ways to improve your lifestyle to decrease anxiety :
dont drink coffee, eat junk food, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
5. Write a journal everyday and notice progress. She mentions its not great to bottle your emotions inside, or over analzye any situation, etc.
6. You can chat with others who are suffering anxiety. This makes you
feel like you are not alone, and understand we have similiar experiences.
7. Meditation. She mentions meditation is very important. I
would recommend various meditation links on youtube. (cheaper)
Meditation was very helpful.
I simply believe that you dont have to purchase her whole CDS, system
to recover from anxiety. I believe that if you simply become more aware
of your condition, understand it, accept, change your lifestyle a bit,
and apply some principles, you can see results. I believe it can
be helpful, but I know there are cheaper ways to get results !
Running definitely helped me. Her tapes did help me in many ways.
Unfortunately, I didnt go through the whole CDS, but I found help
other ways, by googling more about anxiety, changing my diet,
became more positive, confident, accepting it, and stop overanalzying
things and live for the moment.
For me this program is a cruel scam. They take people that are vulnerable and sneak up on you with expenses. I will probably turn them over a an attorney and/or a consumer reporter.