Therapy Group: Quezon City Growth and Recovery Enhancement for Anxious Thinkers (GREAT)

[Crystalline]

Go easy on people who may be afraid of attending group therapy, going is in itself a huge step. I'm in San Francisco so can't attend ones in Manila, good luck to you.

[chevlenz]

Originally Posted by Crystalline

Go easy on people who may be afraid of attending group therapy, going is in itself a huge step. I'm in San Francisco so can't attend ones in Manila, good luck to you.

Thank you, Crystalline. By nature, people with SAD are wary of meeting people, so it is understood that we are also afraid of attending group therapy. But the GREAT group calls for people who are determined enough to change and to heal that they are willing to brave their fears and risk going out of their comfort zones by attending the group therapy session no matter how threatening it may seem. It worked for me, I was hoping it will work for others, too.

If I sounded aggressive in encouraging everyone to attend the seminar, it's because it was the last activity that I helped facilitate to help them out, before going home to my place which is far from Manila. We thought a seminar would be less intimidating for them to attend than joining a group therapy since they will just listen and not share. But if they are not yet ready even to attend a seminar, wala na akong magagawa doon. Only one new member (nbtac41) attended the seminar so he can join the growth sessions of the first batch. As it is, no second batch of growth group will be formed and we will just sustain the growth activities of the existing GREAT members.

I am now back to my family and my job, feeling relatively better than before, anxiety-wise. I just hope that when others are ready to face their fears, they will have the courage to form their own support group. There is always a way, if we only have the will.

Face your fear and be happy! God bless, everyone!

[chevlenz]

Bo Sanchez
“Never focus on your problems. Focus on your possibilities. The problems will pull you down. The possibilities will push you up.” -- Bo Sanchez, 5 Things You Need To Do Before You Die

[chevlenz]

What is your worst fear? Is it the fear of death, the fear of snakes, or of darkness? Or is it the fear of speaking in public?

Fear is a universal feeling; regardless of gender, age, race or religion we all have our own fears. Why? Because our brains are programmed for fear. Our ancestors needed fear to survive living with wild animals. Once their brains registered fear, their bodies produced fear hormones, which gave them extra power to fight or for flight.

What about us who now live in the comfort of our homes? We still have the same fear mechanism. But this time, we are afraid of our boss, of meeting new people, of facing new challenges, of losing our jobs, ,of what other people will say; we are afraid of failure. So real are these fears that our bodies also produce fear hormones, which we do not use in fleeing or fighting. They just accumulate, become poison in our bodies, and slowly destroy our health. That’s why few people are happy. So, if you want to be happy, conquer your fears! How? Let me share with you my story.

My worst fear is public speaking, or even just public appearance. It goes back to my childhood days when I suffered from asthma and I was not allowed to play or even to laugh aloud. I had a very weak and soft voice since even speaking would tire me. Now that’s tough, considering that I belong to a large family of eight children, I am the 6th, and my father who was a lay minister in church was a very good speaker and my siblings just loved to play, to talk and to shout on top of their voices. I was always left with my mother who was the sweet and silent type. My problem was, every time I would speak, they would ask, what’s that again? We couldn’t hear you. And since all attention was on me, the more that my voice would hardly come out of my mouth. That was embarrassing for me and surely didn’t boost my confidence in speaking.

Knowing our fears, we can actually work on it to our advantage. In my case, when it was time for me to go to school, I went to class very early and regularly so I wouldn’t have to explain why I was late or why I was absent. I listened intently at the teacher because I was afraid she would get mad if I didn’t know the answer. I would sit in the front row so I would just be facing my teacher, with my back at my classmates. That way, they wouldn't notice that I would turn red everytime I was asked to answer a question. Since I couldn’t go outdoors to play because of my asthma, I buried myself in reading books and studying my lessons. To compensate for my verbal skills, I developed my skills in reading and writing, in listening and understanding. And you know what? I found out later, that these skills are important in getting good grades and in getting along with everybody. I graduated on top of my class from elementary grade in our barrio, through high school in our town and even during college in the university. Fear has somehow motivated me to study harder than the rest. My big problem was, I had to deliver a valedictory address on our graduation. The thought really scared me, I was nervous and my system became so upset I felt nauseous, I did vomit. Not during delivery, though!

Ironically after college, although I applied and was accepted as a junior soil technologist in our university (so I would be dealing with soils instead of people), I was eventually promoted to a teaching position. How could I do it? Then I looked back at those times when my classmates would ask me to help them with their assignments or problem sets. And I said okay, but you have to know how we arrive at those answers because the teacher might ask you. And I explained to them and they were thankful. Then I realized that’s practically what teaching is! It is not about me, but it’s about the students and the lessons that they would learn from me. Instead of focusing on me, my limitations and my fears, I shifted my concern to the students and what they should learn about the subject. And it worked! I was able to teach, or rather, help my students to learn. But of course, I had good preparation and practice. I actually wrote down what I had to say to them every session, from “Good morning class!” to “God bless!” I wished I could be more spontaneous! But I’m still working on that.

Another strategy which I found very effective is affirming my faith in God. Last semester, I took my written comprehensive exam and I was really gripped with fear. I felt like I was going for my scheduled execution instead of examination. So I recited Psalm 23 in my mind: The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need…That somehow calmed my nerves and made me think clearly and I was able to pass the exam.

That’s my story. How do I manage fear in my life? I recognize my fear, develop my other skills, focus on others rather than on myself, make good preparation and practice, and I put my trust in God. But that’s not the end of the story. Because this first semester, I still have to take my oral examination. I started reviewing again. Actually, I signed up for this course on speech presentation as part of my preparation. And I’m glad I did! I was able to present not because I had to, but because I chose to. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.”

Face your fear and be happy! Good day and God bless!

[IHeartNursing]

Hi Ms Chevlenz! I hope it's not too late to join. I am in need of help as well. I hope to meet a lot of accepting people there.

[nbtac41]

Originally Posted by IHeartNursing

Hi Ms Chevlenz! I hope it's not too late to join. I am in need of help as well. I hope to meet a lot of accepting people there.

you are well welcome to our group with same feathers! im a nurse too!

[chevlenz]

“If you look at your childhood, you’ll see the seeds that God planted – seeds that will later grow and bear fruit in your life.”
-- Bo Sanchez, 5 Things You Need To Do Before You Die

[chevlenz]

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:9-14

[New2LA]

I used to live in Makati. I'll have to come next time in the Philippines

[chevlenz]

“God wants you to be the Scriptwriter. Create the life you were meant to live. By the way, you might be asking: Where is God in the movie? He’s the Producer.”
-- Bo Sanchez, 8 Secrets of the Truly Rich

[chevlenz]

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”

William Arthur Ward


HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

[chevlenz]

"Life is a series of doors closing and opening. We walk from room to room having different experiences. It is all part of Life, and we need to know that we really are safe. It is only change" - Louise L. Hay

[chevlenz]

Drey Yerd


guys, its proven. Group therapy is more fun in the Philippines!

[shariietotx]

hi everyone i hope to meet many filipinos here. i just want to ask a few questions for my research paper.

[katsidis]

I'll gladly help you with your concern...u can post your questions so that I may answer

[nbtac41]

Originally Posted by Crystalline

Go easy on people who may be afraid of attending group therapy, going is in itself a huge step. I'm in San Francisco so can't attend ones in Manila, good luck to you.

hi crystalline..how i wish i see you in person...well,our debate is just a fun..dont take it seriously..when will you go here in our country?

[michimac03]

hello, im a newbie here and am very interested to join group therapy sessions. where do you usually hold such events?i was diagnosed with chronic depression a few years back, but i already recovered. but as i go along my pregnancy this year, my anxiety is getting worse! and im really in need of a support group for i cannot just pop meds because of the baby in my womb. thank you very much, and hope i could be part of the group. its just so refreshing to have known that there is a group like this in the philippines..thanks!wish to hear from you guys soon!=)

[aaescote]

Hi Guys Im Ace, I have a PTSD.. how can i join the group? I think I need help...

[deezy]

hi im new here. its been 3 months since i suffered from panic attacks. can some one help me here?

[chevlenz]

Hi i heartnursing, michimac03, aaescote and deezy! Thanks for joining this page. For you to join the great page at fb, you need to attend at least one group therapy session first. The next session is tentatively scheduled on march 3. But if you feel an immediate need of a support group, maybe we can schedule an earlier session within the month of february if there are at least 5-6 persons interested. The sessions are held at the clinic of Dr.Randy Dellosa.