Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

[Staceysl3]

I was hoping there would be a thread on here re CBT. My doctor referred me for therapy back in early December when I was suffering badly from panic attacks and anxiety, its been a long road from there until now but the T has reduced and so have the panic attacks (I am on meds as well so they may have contributed).

I had an over the phone assessment with MIND in mid December and then heard from them just after Christmas to say they felt CBT would benefit me and I am currently on the waiting list.

I have no idea if this will help but I am more than happy to try, I have always had anxiety even before the tinnitus (although never had panic attacks), so I am hoping this will benefit me. Just have to wait for an appointment now!

 

[Chris Garfield]

Hi everyone. Does anyone know where I can get CBT help for Tinnitus? I live in Burton On Trent so anywhere within reasonable distance would be appreciated.

Thanks and love to you all.

Chris G

 

[Jcb]

Hi everyone. Does anyone know where I can get CBT help for Tinnitus? I live in Burton On Trent so anywhere within reasonable distance would be appreciated.

Thanks and love to you all.

Chris G

If you speak to your GP they should be able to refer you to one I know the NHS has one called "let's talk" I think you can chose to do it over the phone or face to face. How this helps Chris.

 

[SugarMagnolia]

I'm curious how CBT would work for T. It seems to me it would be all C and no B. When I had CBT for my OCD, the cognitive philosophy was a big turn off to me, but the behavioral techniques worked wonders.

@Chris Garfield ~ if it's cognitive therapy you want, you can learn some of it on your own by reading Aaron Beck's Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders. Of course, for behavioral therapy, you'll probably want a therapist. Also, it can help to have an understanding person to talk to.

If you do have CBT, I'd be interested in learning what behavioral techniques are used for T. I'm guessing it would involve exposing yourself to frightening (but not dangerous) sounds without ear protection. But that's just my guess after having years of exposure and response prevention. I've been doing a little of this on my own by exposing myself to low volume high-pitched sounds

 

[Jcb]

I'm curious how CBT would work for T. It seems to me it would be all C and no B. When I had CBT for my OCD, the cognitive philosophy was a big turn off to me, but the behavioral techniques worked wonders.

@Chris Garfield ~ if it's cognitive therapy you want, you can learn some of it on your own by reading Aaron Beck's Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders. Of course, for behavioral therapy, you'll probably want a therapist. Also, it can help to have an understanding person to talk to.

If you do have CBT, I'd be interested in learning what behavioral techniques are used for T. I'm guessing it would involve exposing yourself to frightening (but not dangerous) sounds without ear protection. But that's just my guess after having years of exposure and response prevention. I've been doing a little of this on my own by exposing myself to low volume high-pitched sounds

That's a good question, maybe some of the people who have had TRT and CRT could give you some good tips, or at least point you in the right direction. There seems to be a few who consider themselves "experts" on here so hopefully they will help.

 

[SugarMagnolia]

That's a good question, maybe some of the people who have had TRT and CRT could give you some good tips, or at least point you in the right direction. There seems to be a few who consider themselves "experts" on here so hopefully they will help.

I'm a bit of an expert on CBT. I did it for seven years and I started again in the fall to treat my relapse. The cognitive part of it turned me off. I don't want to turn others off since it might work for them, but for me, I saw through it.

The behavioral part was the useful part and that's what got me functioning again. But the behavioral part of CBT is exposure and response prevention. That's why I'm wondering how it could be applied to T. I think it could be applied to phonophobia, but I don't see how it could apply to the T itself.

It will be interesting to hear other people's experiences. I do suspect it will be just cognitive therapy though, rather than cognitive-behavioral therapy.

 

[dayma]

I went through IOP where we did CBT and DBT for 2 months 4 hours a day. From a therapy perspective the treatment is no different from a person dealing with drug abuse or cancer. The methodology is the same.

It worked well for me but it does take practice and it's not magic. It's not going to make you forget about T. It's going to help you radically accept the condition and incorporates multiple different strategies for dealing with anxiety, depression , panic, etc

There is no doubt in my mind that if you go into therapy willing to accept the change it can make life a little easier to deal with.

 

[Jcb]

I'm a bit of an expert on CBT. I did it for seven years and I started again in the fall to treat my relapse. The cognitive part of it turned me off. I don't want to turn others off since it might work for them, but for me, I saw through it.

The behavioral part was the useful part and that's what got me functioning again. But the behavioral part of CBT is exposure and response prevention. That's why I'm wondering how it could be applied to T. I think it could be applied to phonophobia, but I don't see how it could apply to the T itself.

It will be interesting to hear other people's experiences. I do suspect it will be just cognitive therapy though, rather than cognitive-behavioral therapy.

I'm a big believer in CBT for a number of issues, I've seen the good it can do. As far as T is concerned I can see it helping to a certain degree as far as "coping methods" are concerned but unfortunately it doesn't work for everyone. Even with the an open mind it can fall flat. Let me know if you find anything that helps you, I'm genuinely interested.

 

[SugarMagnolia]

@Jcb ~ That's exactly my point. The coping methods are all cognitive, not behavioral.

I've been doing my CBT on the phone this time around and I notice a big difference between this and the in-person sessions I used to have. The main thing I did in the in-person sessions is impossible to do on the phone, and I think that's the main reason I haven't made any progress in nine months. The phone is just talking. The in-person sessions were "doing" not just "talking."

I suppose my point is partly semantic. I like things to be called what they are. Cognitive therapy is not the same as cognitive-behavioral therapy because without the behavioral in cognitive-behavioral, it's just cognitive.

I recognize that some people could benefit from cognitive therapy alone, so I wouldn't make any blanket statements against it. But I have a temperament that needs to "do" rather than just "talk."

 

[Jcb]

@Jcb ~ That's exactly my point. The coping methods are all cognitive, not behavioral.

I've been doing my CBT on the phone this time around and I notice a big difference between this and the in-person sessions I used to have. The main thing I did in the in-person sessions is impossible to do on the phone, and I think that's the main reason I haven't made any progress in nine months. The phone is just talking. The in-person sessions were "doing" not just "talking."

I suppose my point is partly semantic. I like things to be called what they are. Cognitive therapy is not the same as cognitive-behavioral therapy because without the behavioral in cognitive-behavioral, it's just cognitive.

I recognize that some people could benefit from cognitive therapy alone, so I wouldn't make any blanket statements against it. But I have a temperament that needs to "do" rather than just "talk."

I couldn't agree more, any type of "therapy" should be done face to face, it's helps form a bond of trust and empathy between the two which is needed to help the process go along so to speak (even though I know some people also benefit from doing it over the phone) I'm with you on the "do" part, some people are just programmed like that, myself included. I learn more that way. Could you maybe meet in person again and see if they could offer you anything to help you go forward.

 

[SugarMagnolia]

I couldn't agree more, any type of "therapy" should be done face to face, it's helps form a bond of trust and empathy between the two which is needed to help the process go along so to speak (even though I know some people also benefit from doing it over the phone) I'm with you on the "do" part, some people are just programmed like that, myself included. I learn more that way. Could you maybe meet in person again and see if they could offer you anything to help you go forward.

They recently installed something on the door so that it emits a high-pitched tone whenever a person opens it. That's the very door that caused my TTTS and H. I'll never walk through it again. If I didn't like my therapist so much, I would have quit the place entirely. I have mixed feelings about giving them my money after they harmed me, but it's not my therapist's fault. I have built up a good relationship with him over the years. He saved my life. I definitely couldn't do a phone session with a stranger. But we already have a good relationship so I can talk easily on the phone. The main problem with phone sessions is not being able to do the behavioral therapy. To be fair, I could do the behavioral therapy from time to time in a home visit if I lived alone, but I don't live alone.

 

[Luman]

I couldn't agree more, any type of "therapy" should be done face to face, it's helps form a bond of trust and empathy between the two which is needed to help the process go along so to speak (even though I know some people also benefit from doing it over the phone) I'm with you on the "do" part, some people are just programmed like that, myself included. I learn more that way. Could you maybe meet in person again and see if they could offer you anything to help you go forward.

Some therapists now offer one on one live video sessions via SKYPE, or similar alternatives.

 

[Jcb]

They recently installed something on the door so that it emits a high-pitched tone whenever a person opens it. That's the very door that caused my TTTS and H. I'll never walk through it again. If I didn't like my therapist so much, I would have quit the place entirely. I have mixed feelings about giving them my money after they harmed me, but it's not my therapist's fault. I have built up a good relationship with him over the years. He saved my life. I definitely couldn't do a phone session with a stranger. But we already have a good relationship so I can talk easily on the phone. The main problem with phone sessions is not being able to do the behavioral therapy. To be fair, I could do the behavioral therapy from time to time in a home visit if I lived alone, but I don't live alone.

Yes, that's not good. Could you go in to see him with some ear muffs on? Or maybe ask them if they could disable the beep if you are going to see him. Take this as your first step in doing some "behavioural therapy" it's great you have a good rapport with your therapist. I understand your annoyance/anger with door, I'd be angry as well.

 

[Jcb]

Some therapists now offer one on one live video sessions via SKYPE, or similar alternatives.

I was reading about this, I thinks it great as you can actually see the person and their eyes, reaction etc. I still think face to face is best but I know that's not for everyone or convenient for some.

 

[Pero1234]

I'm starting a derivative form of CBT as well in a few weeks. I hope to apply it to more parts of my life than T.

I'll post how this works out for me.

ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acceptance_and_commitment_therapy?wprov=sfti1

From Wikipedia:

The approach was originally called comprehensive distancing.[3]Steven C. Hayes developed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in 1982 in order to create a mixed approach which integrates both cognitive and behavioral therapy.[4]

ACT differs from traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in that rather than trying to teach people to better control their thoughts, feelings, sensations, memories and other private events, ACT teaches them to "just notice," accept, and embrace their private events, especially previously unwanted ones.

 

[SugarMagnolia]

Sometimes I wonder what psychologists would be doing nowadays if they hadn't discovered Buddhism. Science maybe?

 

[marc 1974 london]

Morning all,

Just like to say I went to my CBT counselor last couple of weeks & dealt with separating emotions, anxiety etc from tinnitus...

My ears have gotten worse at times god knows how but yeah I'm having spikes on spikes, what's weird is I'm letting it be, it's worse today as I write this as I've had not more than 3 hours sleep due to work stress (work nights), but my emotions are calm...

Just wanted to share that CBT, mindfulness & any body-based "be good to yourself" therapies can have huge pluses to our well-being.

Next week hopefully starting TRT too.

Adious

 

[PDodge]

Glad to hear its helping you. I also work nights and have found it double edge sword. Please continue to update us as you progress!

 

[Halsy]

There are all kinds of therapies out there. It really depends on the type of person you are. I have a problem with CBT because of some aspects of it like "gratitude charts" and things of that nature that just come off as really flaky to me. Best to see a therapist and discuss different types of therapy.

The guy I'm seeing right now has suggested something called "narrative therapy". He thinks it might work better for me. There was another interesting one, who's name I forget, it's a somatic based therapy based on the study of trauma in animals and how they resolve their issues. I'll find out the name of it and post it. It sounds like it would be a good fit for people who suffer from intrusive tinnitus/pulsatile tinnitus. I'm also seeing a proper psychiatrist - who deals with a lot of tinnitus patients - in a couple of months so I'll see what his thoughts are on the subject.

Meanwhile check out the book "Mind Over Mood". It's considered the best one for CBT self help.

 

[marc 1974 london]

There are all kinds of therapies out there. It really depends on the type of person you are. I have a problem with CBT because of some aspects of it like "gratitude charts" and things of that nature that just come off as really flaky to me. Best to see a therapist and discuss different types of therapy.

The guy I'm seeing right now has suggested something called "narrative therapy". He thinks it might work better for me. There was another interesting one, who's name I forget, it's a somatic based therapy based on the study of trauma in animals and how they resolve their issues. I'll find out the name of it and post it. It sounds like it would be a good fit for people who suffer from intrusive tinnitus/pulsatile tinnitus. I'm also seeing a proper psychiatrist - who deals with a lot of tinnitus patients - in a couple of months so I'll see what his thoughts are on the subject.

Meanwhile check out the book "Mind Over Mood". It's considered the best one for CBT self help.

Mind Over Mood is good.

I've never done one of those gratitude charts, and I've been going for CBT for a year?

 

[dayma]

I've never done one of those gratitude charts, and I've been going for CBT for a year?

Same here. We don't do these for DBT or CBT. We use "thought logs" to track emotions etc...

 

[marc 1974 london]

Same here. We don't do these for DBT or CBT. We use "thought logs" to track emotions etc...

Yeah thought logs for sure, excellent to do, seems strange at first but now it's instant the moment I'm feeling stressed or anxious...

Love CBT, they should teach it at schools & not so much having to get an A grade to be successful...

 

[dayma]

Yeah thought logs for sure, excellent to do, seems strange at first but now it's instant the moment I'm feeling stressed or anxious...

Love CBT, they should teach it at schools & not so much having to get an A grade to be successful...

Yup, we do the same. Good to hear its working for you man!!!!

 

[marc 1974 london]

Yup, we do the same. Good to hear its working for you man!!!!

It's great, a couple of weeks ago I let my ears get the better of me, went to an hour's session, been good since & the tinnitus is not better, I just let it be... amazing how the brain works & a bit of guided thinking changes chaos to clarity... I've been a stress head for years, even without tinnitus.... wish I started CBT 20 years ago.

 

[Cape crusader]

Are there any more experiences with CBT, positive or negative?

 

[Don Tinny]

I tried CBT a couple of months. But I'm not good at expressing anguish and the therapist said I was fine.

Tinnitus is a very difficult symptom to explain. One day she told me that I used plugs to escape from reality. I told her the sound was in my head...but I think she did not understand.

The only interesting thing she said me was that there was a "suicide component" in my decision to go to the concert (mine is a resurgence).

She was really nice anyway. The relationship became maybe too "close" and she sent me messages about other issues via Whats App.

 

[Lilah]

I'm seeing a counselor right now who said she is willing to help with anxiety related to tinnitus, however she doesn't know anything about tinnitus. She does CBT insomnia and has experience with CBT. It has helped me a bit to talk for an hour and to talk through some issues. I do feel positive when I leave the session. Anything in particular/topics that come to mind in how she can help me?

 

[GregCA]

I'm seeing a counselor right now who said she is willing to help with anxiety related to tinnitus, however she doesn't know anything about tinnitus. She does CBT insomnia and has experience with CBT. It has helped me a bit to talk for an hour and to talk through some issues.

Was that a CBT session? If yes, what did it involve?

Anything in particular/topics that come to mind in how she can help me?

CBT is pretty specific in how it works. She should know where to start from with you.

 

[Lilah]

Was that a CBT session? If yes, what did it involve?

CBT is pretty specific in how it works. She should know where to start from with you.

Mostly it was me talking, and her asking follow-up questions For example, if I say I'm worried about my future, she might ask why, which would cause me to reflect (bad example, I know). There are a couple of therapists who specialize in CBT tinnitus but they do not accept insurance and are expensive.

 

[OnceUponaTime]

Anything in particular/topics that come to mind in how she can help me?

For your next visit, print some of the newest research studies and give it to her. Ask her to inform herself about tinnitus if she wants to help you. Tell her to come and read the Tinnitus Talk forum... (or read it together while you are there!)

I did this with my second CBT therapists... he had no experience with a tinnitus patient, but was willing to learn more about it in order to help me... It helped both of us. Our first sessions were not helping me and we were not "connecting"... but after he informed himself more about tinnitus things started to change and the sessions began to "fall in place"... help.

I chose this particular place and therapist because he was close to my home. I didn't want to travel far to get CBT.