Cheers Benthic_man. It's encouraging to know that you got positive results from CBT!
Sadly, I've had to cancel my appointment with the CBT specialist due to lack of funds. I'll have more money when I start working next month (I'm a uni student at the moment).
In the meantime I'm just having to wait for my meds to start working in addition to going to a counselor. I did a bit of exercise today.
I've been using CBT for my anxiety issues for a year now, and it absolutely has worked for me! One of the advantages of CBT is that there are a lot of techniques and methodologies to work with, but the downside is that you have to discover what works and what doesn't. Since all of us develop anxiety in different situations, and each of us deals with it in different ways, it takes different methods to break through our own issues and learn how to identify legitimate problems and separate out the BS.
A larger bookstore will stock anti-anxiety workbooks- these use CBT techniques to help you identify and confront your anxiety's sources, deal with the triggers, and avoid and manage panic symptoms. Knowing that you may only have a few visits, you should discuss this with the specialist so that you can make the best of independent management of your symptoms and practice of CBT.
FInally, there are two major things you absolutely should be aware of in practicing CBT. First off, your results will be greatly improved by exercising! Exercise combined with CBT is far, far more effective than CBT alone. Second, you need to be diligent in learning and applying the CBT techniques- it takes practice and a little time... I felt the first results in about 2 weeks, but it took about 2 months before I really, really felt better. Facing your fears is tough- the setup and time before you actually confront your anxiety is very difficult, and having a therapist guide you is valuable, but not 100% necessary. Today, a year later, I still use the relaxation techniques, but it hasn't been necessary on a daily basis for about 6 months.
I would also like to hear some info from people on CBT too, I have been typing all over the board and no reply. I have a mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD from a car accident and the Doctors want me to got get Cognitive Therapy. I don't really know what it is all about. I too, have heard it is pricey and hoping the car insurance will pick it up. I suffer from terrible anxiety,panic attacks, flashbacks and depression.
Stay in touch, I'll let you know if I hear back anything on my prior posts,
Hang in there :)