Recent content by veritybrown

The problem, as I see it, is there are so many different types of psychotherapy, I wouldn't know what to look for in a therapist. I've had some CBT in the past which was close to useless. In our first session I bravely laid out my avoidance strategies and he fell for them one after the other.

Jamo, you've been an enormous help! Exertion is definitely what floors me. I'm pretty certain it all started from walking up hills. My partner teases me about my idea of a steep gradient. And yes, I too stop frequently and pretend to take photos :) You talking about running upstairs made me...

Thank you, Ellen. I'm more worried about pushing through the breathlessness in case I pass out or something or cause myself real harm. Anxiety prevents me from going out too far and even then I can make myself breathless just by thinking about needing to go back, if that makes sense. Currently...

Karina, yes, I get what you mean though I don't really want to get bogged down by being "pushed" to resolve stuff, would take a lifetime, all I need is to uncover how I am feeling/have felt about something and let that be ok. I think I may try a couple of online sessions. Have you used anyone?

Yes, I have, thank you, Ellen!

Thank you, Walt. I'll go and take a look. Much appreciated. Verity

Yes, I've found if you bend your knees very slightly you can feel more of your feet on the floor! Thank you, Danielle :)

Danielle, this is really lovely, thank you. Sometimes running cold water over my wrists helps me snap out of it if I'm spiralling. I'm wondering now, after what you've said, whether this isn't just the effect of the sensation on my skin, feeling the water running over it, similar to stroking...

Yesterday I totally misread a section in TGPD about naming the pain. After reading the section on proxemal space I named my breathlessness Dietrich (after Marlene, I want to be alone, Dietrich) as I know the tightness comes on when I feel suffocated and need air/space. This can be physical or...

Had a lightbulb moment about this as I was dropping off to sleep last night. Am so glad I still remember it. A traditional psychotherapist will help you uncover issues and resolve them whereas a TMS psychotherapist will help you identify feelings that your brain was "kindly" suppressing. As...

Karina, from what I read in the section of the book I can't find, the author mentioned the approach from an orthodox psychotherapist may be unhelpful and in direct conflict with Dr. Sarno's advice. I just wish I could find it to explain it a bit better! When/if I do find it I'll post it here...

Good advice, thank you so much!

That is pretty appalling, Tennis Tom, that so few psychotherapists are aware of Sarno's work. Thought to be fair, on the outside it looks like it is only for back pain. I came across it listening to one of Joe Polish's podcasts one night while trying to fall asleep. When Steve Ozanich mentioned...

I remember reading in one of the books that if you can't find a psychotherapist specialising in TMS that there are certain key points you need to make sure a therapist understands. At the time I didn't make notes on this because I thought I had found a TMS therapist though now it seems I won't...