Cath, UK
Review written at intermediate Stage 6, 19 weeks after enrolment
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 80.8% > 42.4% (category 5: very big problem > category 3: moderate problem)
Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?
A: "Yes. Life's a journey with bumps in the road, tinnitus has felt like the biggest mountain trying to walk in high heels. The course has given me sturdy walking boots to make good progress to get to the top and over the other side."
Q: What benefit have you experienced using the relaxation element of the course so far?
A: "I had used mindfulness before and appreciated it helping with stress and anxiety but it hadn't become a regular part of my daily routine. I've really appreciated the breathing and relaxation exercises, for feeling more grounded and having time out for renewal during the day and very aware that this has been beneficial in helping to regulate my dysregulated amygdala."
Q: How has the neuroscience-based learning about the amygdala, autonomic ladder and brain plasticity helped you to relate to your experience of tinnitus, anxiety and stress?
A: "Really useful to understand more about this and how stress, anxiety and perceptions have an impact on tinnitus and what I can do for my own self care."
Q: What have you learned from the costs & benefits transaction work (used from stage 3)? Estimate how much you have already adjusted from having a problem-oriented perspective towards a recovery-oriented perspective (e.g. 2/10 > 7/10 indicates an improvement of 5 so far)
A: "Costs and benefits were really useful and I particularly appreciated the second arrow exercises. I think I've definitely shifted to a recovery perspective, though the process hasn't been easy. I think I was probably at 1/10, now at a 7/10."
Q: You are likely to have had your first 1-1 by now. Did you benefit from your 1-1 and if so, how?
A: "Useful to have a conversation and chat through concerns and expectations of progress."
Q: What is your own impression of your progress to date?
A: "I have much more understanding about tinnitus and my own responses to this, it's still constant and annoying on occasions, but I'm in a much better place with my well-being, and I am feeling more recovery focussed."