Posted by mattdds on March 11, 2003, at 16:46:43
In reply to Re: Pura Vida, Let's talk CBT » mattdds, posted by Pfinstegg on March 11, 2003, at 15:07:25
Hi Pfinstegg,Thanks for your comments! I am glad someone else wants to discuss this exciting topic. I will take each of your questions the best I can.
1. CBT can be done as self-help exercises which can be learned through either a therapist or on your own. Sometimes, especially in acute depressive episodes, it is important to establish a relationship with someone. In my opinion, the homework exercises that are done in CBT are absolutely crucial for success. I would say this is far more important than the role of the therapist. Think about it this way, you spend approximately 1 hour per week in "therapy". This is not enough to untangle all the distorted belief and thoughts that contribute to your depression. Practice, practice, practice...that is how you get better with CBT.
2. There are mixed views about the role of a therapist in CBT. Some people feel that empathy is helpful to get the process of healing started. Others feel that it is less of a factor. I am of the opinion that empathy is nice, and can feel good, but all the empathy in the world won't get you better if you don't actually do the exercises.
3. Does CBT help for shameful and intimacy problems? Absolutely! I had major guilt and shame problems before CBT. In my opinion, feelings of guilt and shame are some of the easiest to resolve with CBT. There are specific exercises that help overcome shameful feelings.
Hey, that's great that you are feeling better from the TMS. That has always been interesting to me.
One last important thought. CBT has been shown to dramatically reduce relapse rates for depression, panic, and OCD. In well controlled studies, the effects of CBT consistently outlast the effects of medication or electroconvulsive treatment.
CBT cannot hurt, has no side effects (besides possible cramps in your hand from typing or writing a lot), and in my opinion is the most underrated and underutilized tool in psychiatry! Go for it! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
A good starting point is to read "Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy" or "The Feeling Good Handbook" by David Burns. There was actually a study done about using this book as a treatment for depression. The study showed that 70% of those who read "Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy" had a substantial reduction in their symptoms. To me this is pretty amazing.
I hope this helps, and please don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have.
Best of luck,
Matt
poster:mattdds
thread:207189
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030310/msgs/208165.html