The Social Anxiety Institute

[RubyTuesday]

Has anyone purchased and used/is using the audio and book series offered by the S.A.I....?

And/or (if you live in the US) been to the therapy sessions offered by the S.A.I....?

I am seriously considering purchasing the audio and book series offered by the S.A.I., based on the description of what this CBT program entails -which you are free to read at this webpage:-

http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/audioseries.html

Here is my own small sample of the above that I cut and pasted...

AUDIO SESSION #1:

Introduction to the series, why therapy must be "solution" oriented (i.e., we must find a permanent solution to the symptoms of social anxiety), definition of social anxiety disorder and related issues, explanation of cognitive and behavioral therapy and how it works separately and together to help us overcome social anxiety, the scope of the problem, history, statistics, degrees, severity, or "levels" of social anxiety, how long it takes to get "better" and what this means, avoidant personality disorder, and what we know today about overcoming social anxiety.

Social anxiety can be overcome because the human brain can change ... and you can be leading a completely different life. not based on anxiety and fear. Don't believe the charlatans and hucksters who say a vitamin or a pill will change your life. In addition, do not believe the hopelessness and helplessness that you hear from other sources.

The series is focused on practical, real-life solutions that will reduce and extinguish the awful effects of social anxiety in your life.

AUDIO SESSION #2:

How and when to practice on your worksheets in the accompanying booklet, the physiological picture (i.e., what is really going on inside the brain as we get better), how we will begin permanently changing our brain's chemical and electrical pathway system (i.e., our neural pathways) in the brain.

Specific cognitive therapy methods we discuss,
with a full explanation and printed handout:

1. How to calm yourself in social situations and remain in control

This is a specific strategy that will begin to work fairly quickly -- although everything must be given time to work. You will be able to begin slowing and calming yourself down anywhere. In social situations, this method will allow you to be calmer while you keep your focus external (i.e., on other people and what is happening around you). When you practice this method until it is automatic, anxiety will not be able to fog up your mind and cloud your concentration much longer.

2. How to stop automatic negative thoughts (ANTs), part #1

we begin to notice, catch, and stop our automatic negative thoughts (ANTs), and then learn not to use them -- we have other, healthy rational thoughts and better things we can be doing with our time.

3. Using rational coping statements to reduce irrational anxious feelings

we sink two or three rational (truthful) facts into our minds about anxiety -- and we keep practicing (i.e., rehearsing and repeating) these two or three rational statements until they occur to you naturally in the real world when you are in a typical social anxiety situation. This is not a cure in itself, but it begins to provide concrete help, like all the other methods, strategies, and techniques we will be adding.

And, on a further note:-

Has anyone also been to or is currently involved in Group Therapy CBT (tailor-made specifically) for Social Anxiety...?
-I have read opinions of past-sufferers/now-considered-professionals-in- the-field, that Group CBT (which includes exposure and practising feared situations in a group) is vital for getting over this debilitating illness.

P.S. I have also joined-up with a Social Anxiety meetup group, since (and this has been in-part from my involvement in on-line forums such as this one) it has occured to me just how important it is, as a sufferer of social anxiety, to be connected and involved with other sufferers. -I think this provides inspiration to get better, support, and perhaps most importantly, you get a feeling of comradery and of being a valued individual.

Thank you.

[mcsboy8]

yea i did

[mountain5]

I've seen and worked through some of the material...my advice is, that IF you find a CBT group that's dedicated to working through the later exercises, or you can somehow work that into your Meetup group, then it's worth the time and money.

Otherwise, I would pursue individual therapy, and go with "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" and/or "The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety," doing the exercises in the book.

By the way, you probably don't remember me, and I doubt you'll hang around, but it's nice to a see a post from you again.