The Most Effective Form of Therapy - Page 2
© Neal Sideman
What if I'm skeptical about CBT?
Will I be able to discontinue my medication?
Most people starting CBT have been taking medication. Many people experience undesirable side effects from medication. If you wish, as you progress in your recovery, you can wean yourself off medication, with your doctor's supervision.
Many people find they get excellent results with a combination of CBT and medication. Many others prefer CBT alone - they find that it is more effective than medication and has no side effects. In addition, learning CBT gives one a real sense of mastery and accomplishment.
Will my insurance cover the expense?
Most insurance plans cover at least some of the expense of CBT.
How does the cost of CBT compare with the cost of medication?
In the long run, CBT is generally less expensive than medication. CBT teaches you skills that you practice on your own, whereas medication is often an ongoing expense.
How can I learn more about CBT?
Read through this section on paniccure.com. Take your time with it, and have fun!
http://www.paniccure.com/approaches/cbt/...
Do you recommend a book on CBT?
I highly recommend Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic: Client Workbook, by Barlow and Craske. This workbook is available only from the publisher, TherapyWorks, at 800-872-1726. "Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic" ("MAP" for short) is a program designed to be used with a CBT therapist, but it can also be used for self-help. "MAP" was developed by Dr. David Barlow and Dr. Michelle Craske - two of the world's leading experts in the field - and is used by many therapists around the world.
In the MAP program, you learn techniques for actually resolving the panic, piece by piece, instead of just trying to manage it through relaxation, positive self-talk or other self-help techniques.
Here is a short essay about MAP:
http://www.paniccure.com/approaches/cbt/... .
Near the end of the essay, you can find information about how to order the MAP materials. In addition to Client Workbooks, there is an excellent Therapist's Guide, which enables therapists without specific training in this approach to be very effective.
How can I find a CBT therapist?
See this section on paniccure.com. It's a step-by-step guide to finding an experienced CBT therapist: http://www.paniccure.com/Find.htm
In addition to the discussions on Suite 101, feel free to email me at nsreal@verizon.net.
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