Posted by Cindy W on May 20, 2000, at 12:23:55
In reply to Re: Psychotherapy v. CBT, posted by Snowie on May 20, 2000, at 9:49:52
> Thanks, Bob and BoBB. I've just started treatment with a psychologist who specializes in CBT. I found a good link below to a site that lists and discusses the different types of therapies available.
>
> During my first appointment last Monday, he gave some literature to read and a relaxation tape. I presently take Xanax, which admittedly is no cure, but it allows me to have a functional life. He asked me how much Xanax I take per day (3 mg.), and he said that is a lot. (I disagree.) I also want to try Klonopin again in the future. (BTW, he's not certain as to what my disorder is, but a psychiatrist colleague of his talked with me for a little over an hour a few weeks ago, and that was his conclusion. I personally think I have social and general anxiety, an occasional panic attack, and perhaps ADD).
>
> My big concern is that he seems to be anti-medication. It appears from things he said and from some of the literature he gave me that with CBT I should be able to eventually wean off medication. Unfortunately, I just don't see that happening anytime in the near future. I envisioned CBT working with medication, not as a replacement or substitute for it. Fortunately, I remember what my life was like before Xanax, and all the CBT in the world won't change that.
>
> In sum, I'm not certain if CBT is the right form of therapy for me, particularly if withdrawal of anti-anxiety medication is the ultimate goal of CBT.
>
> Snowie
> http://www.psychcentral.com/therapy.htm
Snowie, I'm a cognitive behavior therapist (work with felons in a state prison), but am also in therapy myself. What I have found (having tried therapy before; this is only the second time I've ever been in therapy where I feel ready to really change) and what I've read from the literature is that it isn't the theoretical background or theories that matter; it's the relationship between the client and therapist, the support for making changes. Most therapists are very similar I think in their "therapeutic attitude/behavior" (warmth, concern, caring, compassion, empathy, etc.); I think the theoretical framework is more for the therapist's comfort than for the client's. CBT stresses changing irrational ideas that lead to depression, and I think focusing on this can really help. But it is the feeling of emotional support, for me, which makes the difference, when I'm in therapy. --Cindy W.
poster:Cindy W
thread:34042
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000517/msgs/34126.html