I have had CBT this year which I started during a period of severe depression in the spring 2006. I chose to get it privately as our (British) National Health Service has a long waiting list in my area - especially as the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommended CBT as first option for depression etc. I have had 1:1 sessions of an hour which initially was wekly, then went to fortnightly and is now monthly but I about to finish. Initially I found it hard as I was too depressed to really be able to alter my ways of thinking etc so it focused more on me coping and keeping occupied on a daily basis while off sick at home. Then as I got slightly better I found I was able to start using some of the worksheets and tools she was sharing with me. When I really got into it it made such a difference I was amazed!!! I have still needed medications however to lift the depresssion and now to manage my (newly diagnosed) Bi-polar II. When I was recently hypomanic for a couple months I suppose in hindsight I could have used the same worksheets etc to reflect on my thoughts and behaviours and try to modify them but in a 'bringing myself back down' way, but of course I felt soo good and happy and capable that it didn't really occurr to me! I may well do next time though. Anyway I spemt 80 pounds (sterling) a session but I consider it was money well spent. I also used a dictaphone to record our discussions which was useful too. Good luck to any of you about to start it or considering it. But a little advice: you have to put some effort into it and do the homework to really reap the benefits. Nothing will happen if you think you can just attend each time and simply talk and listen!! Take Care Claire
I agree that many depressed individuals benefit from correcting their habitual negative thoughts and behaviors. Perhaps our other community members can suggest the cognitive therapy workbooks or websites that they found helpful.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Posted - 01/25/2007 : 07:41:31
