Help! Is CBT Worth It?

[Amy_Tinnitus]

Hi all, I am seriously contemplating having some CBT sessions to help manage my tinnitus. I am not expecting it to get rid of my tinnitus. I just need help dealing with my reactions towards it. People I have asked have had mixed reviews.

What are your experiences with CBT?
How many sessions did you find were necessary to get benefit?
It can be fairly expensive and I have been quoted £60 (GBP) a session - is this extortionate?

I am also working and have 2 children so one of the reasons I have put it off is not being able to commit. Would an online/Skype session be as effective?

Thanks,
Amy

 

[Hazel]

Hi Amy, there are some self-help books available, which would be a much cheaper option. For instance: https://www.amazon.com/Tinnitus-Self-Management-Guide-Ringing-Your/dp/0205315372 - I haven't read it myself so cannot recommend it personally, but it seems to be CBT based. I'm sure there are other books as well.

Of course, the down side of self-help is that it requires more discipline and lacks the personal touch and support you'd get from direct professional counseling. You could compromise and pay for a few personal sessions; then ask the therapist for advice on how to continue on a self-help basis.

Personally, I believe CBT does help; in fact, it's scientifically proven to help (not all T sufferers but many). I have not tried it myself though; I'll be starting a mindfulness meditation course soon, something you could also consider (particularly since many mindfulness courses are given in a group setting and thus cheaper).

Finally, I understand the problem of lack of time, but it's really important to invest this time and energy in getting better. In the long term, your children can only benefit from having a mentally healthy mother, and your work will also be easier if you're not struggling so much emotionally. Is there any way you could free up some time, i.e. work part time for a while, get some extra financial/childcare support from family, etc.?

 

[GregCA]

I think it depends if your anxiety is driven by irrational thinking. If so, CBT is a tool of choice.

I'm not sure it'll help deal with your reaction to T as much as addressing thoughts that could spark a bad anxiety bout.
The high level framework in CBT is to recognize irrational thoughts, and provide a rational response to them in order to "nip them in the bud".

 

[Amy_Tinnitus]

Thank you Hazel and GregCA

 

[Michael Leigh]

I am also working and have 2 children so one of the reasons I have put it off is not being able to commit. Would an online/Skype session be as effective?

I have had TRT twice in 21 years and each time the treatment lasted 2 years. When I had TRT the 2nd time CBT was incorporated into it.

Counselling can be of immense benefit in helping someone to cope better with tinnitus. Some of my posts on my "started threads" are about the benefits of TRT and CBT. In my opinion, a person needs regular counselling sessions of at least 45 minutes but preferably 1hr or more, with a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist whose trained in the treatment and management of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Ideally, the therapist should have "Tinnitus" or at least experienced it, otherwise I don't believe they will have a full understanding of the condition and be able to empathize with a tinnitus patient.

Skype sessions can be helpful but I think one to one/face to face counselling would be better for you. I have counselled people by telephone and still do occasionally. If anyone is wondering free of charge. Please click on the links below and read some of my posts that you might find helpful.

All the best
Michael


https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/new-to-tinnitus-what-to-do.12558/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-positivity-important.23150/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-the-negative-mindset.23705/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/acquiring-a-positive-mindset.23969/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-ent-doctor-and-hearing-therapist.24047/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/inspiration.22894/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/can-tinnitus-counselling-help.22366/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-habituation-process.20767/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/a-change-of-lifestyle.20643/