Does the Lucinda Bassett program work?

[ryn21]

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?

[JSGeare]

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 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!

[nursegirl6572]

Amen!!!

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?

[be still my beating heart 13]

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!

Cori

[shelzmike]

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.

Mike

[ratobranco]

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:

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.  

[mixmaster]

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_.

[bbygrl4u]

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.

[omgseriouslywtf]

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.

[Angcskin]

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.