CBT Sessions going well...

So far my appointments have consisted of going through various modules covering an overview of worrying, why we worry, challenging beliefs about worry being uncontrollable, dangerous (although this one is not my belief), and also interestingly challenging positive beliefs about worry. I do various "experiments" each week to challenge my way of anxious worrying. It is surprisingly effective, although of course there is a long way to go. It seems quite easy at the moment because I am having a relatively easy period where anxiety is concerned and the real test will be when times are harder but this information gives me some confidence that I might be able to gain some control over it all. When my anxiety is bad it is pretty intense so my aim is to master the skills while it's quiet!

Needn't have worried...

So I went to my assessment appointment with the psychologist. They do want to focus on what is happening now but understand the anxiety goes up and down so appreciate I might be ok at present. We are going to use the CBT model. I am, of course, familiar with CBT but only for my checking with OCD. I am not familiar with how this will work with anxiety and worrying. My next appointment is by telephone next Friday lunchtime. I'd rather do these things face to face but that means letting my boss know and I really don't want to provide those details to my employer.

Hoping the wait is worth it...

Tomorrow, after one and a half years of being on a waiting list, I finally have an appointment with a psychologist. I do hope that they are able to help my anxiety in some way. My biggest concern is that for me it is a very on and off issue. When I am anxious it can be really terrible and crippling but then other times I seem to have long periods of calm. At the moment I am experiencing the latter which is wonderful but I do hope that I don't have to pay for that by it proving unhelpful in terms of discussing my experiences and what they can do to help me as they seem to want to focus on how I am right now. Waiting lists are tremendously unhelpful to ill health!