Help! Is CBT Worth It?

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

 

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".

 

Thank you Hazel and GregCA

 

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/