Janet, UK
Janet joined CBT4T with ONE appointment included
Review written at Stage 6 (9 weeks after joining CBT4T)
Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) 9 weeks post-enrolment 82.8% very big problem (category 5: 73-100%) > 36.4% moderate problem (category 3: 32-53%)
Quote from Janet: "Just a big thank you, Debbie, for all the time and effort you've put over the years to fine tune this course. I am now reaping all the benefits of it!"
Q: Would you recommend others with severe tinnitus distress to use the course, and if so, what would you say to them?
A: "Yes, I would definitely recommend this course for severe tinnitus. I had severe tinnitus and although I am only part way through this course I am down as a moderate problem already. I have found this course a "Godsend" I was really struggling before coming on this course not only with severe level tinnitus but also insomnia and panic attacks. The first thing you do on the course is breathing exercises that helps control your nervous system. I found this so helpful. Once your nervous system is calm you can then take in all the information which is invaluable!
I am coming off my sleeping tablets at the moment. I definitely wouldn't be in a position to do this without this course! I am making full use of the tools and information given so far and it's making all the difference in helping me to come off my tablets!"
Q: What benefit have you experienced using the relaxation element of the course so far?
A: "I was already using some meditation prior to starting this course but was no-where near being experienced in meditation. The breathing, relaxation and other exercises have made a massive difference in controlling my nervous system and keeping me calm."
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: "Learning all about this has helped make more sense of what is happening to me. It has helped to reassure me and gave me faith I am on the right track."
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: "1/10 to 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: "I found my first 1-1 with Debbie very positive. It reassured me that I was on the " right track" and to keep going."
Q: What is your own impression of your progress to date?
A: "I have come along way. I have made positive progress. There is still plenty more for me to work at but I am encouraged by all the positive progress I had made so far. I feel I am getting my life back on track."
Q: The weekly SITREP was introduced in August 2023. Have you found it useful to report in weekly and if so, why?
A: "Yes, the SITREP is very useful to keep you accountable for what you are doing in the week. I treated this just as an appointment and put in my SITREP what I would say at a 1 to1 appointment with Debbie."
Janet's feedback at the end of Stage 4:
"I found doing the SITREP weekly, helped hold me accountable for what I was doing during the week. I treated it like a weekly appointment with Debbie and put down what I would have said in an appointment with her. I have found all aspects of this course beneficial so far. All the breathing and relaxation exercises at the beginning made a big difference to calming my nervous system so I could focus on taking in the information and doing the various CBT exercises. I found the explanation on how the brain works helpful for me to understand what's happening. All of the course has moved me forward in the right direction."