Enrolled with 2 appointments included

Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) at Stage 6: Initial 68.4% > 26.4% at Stage 4 > 20.4% at Stage 6

Q: Do you recommend others to use the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme?

A: "100% yes! Google will tell you that there is no cure for tinnitus, and it’s right, but this course will help you manage the distress that your tinnitus is causing you. I thought I needed a cure but what I needed was to understand why I felt like I did and make changes. This course will give you the support, the information and the tools to help you reduce and maybe even eliminate the distress that you are feeling because of your tinnitus."

Q: What benefit have you experienced using the relaxation element of the course so far?

A: "I had never used relaxation exercises before and feel that listening to these recordings regularly has given me a much calmer outlook on life. I feel far less stressed and am able to cope with stressful situations in a more measured way now."

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: "I have found some of the science a little hard to grasp but I think that may be due to my lack of concentration especially at the start of the process. But I understand the general premise, realising that I can question and direct my own thoughts has given me a sense of control that I definitely didn’t have before."

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: "I would say probably 8/10 - compared with before when I would quickly become overwhelmed by negative thoughts. Now if I have a negative thought I question myself and think ‘what would be a better way of looking at the problem‘. My thoughts and internal chatter are so much positive than they were."

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: "Definitely, it was a pleasure to meet you Debbie. It was really good to hear more about the course and what to expect going forward and to chat through the progress I have already made."

Q: What is your own impression of your progress to date?

A: "I am impressed with myself - I have gone from being very distressed with my tinnitus to not noticing it for big chunks of the day. And when I do I just feel slightly irritated by it. The fear and threat of it is subsiding every week."

Q: The weekly SITREP was introduced in August 2023. Have you found it useful to report in weekly and if so, why?

A: "Yes very, it’s good to reflect once a week on how my week has been."

7 weeks after enrolment, Karen has completed Stage 4. Repeat Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI):

Following these repeat measures and a first appointment, Karen's feedback is:

Q: The progress I have achieved indicated in my stage 4 repeat Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI):

A: "My progress was more than I was expecting when I enrolled on CBT4T"

Q: The progress I have achieved indicated in my stage 4 repeat Anxiety/stress Symptoms (ASQ):

A: "My progress more than I was expecting when I enrolled on CBT4T"

Q: What do you believe to have been the most impactful aspect(s) up to Stage 4 for you? Choose as many as you like:

A:

2. Physiological exercises (9 minutes)

3. Guided relaxation (30 minutes)

5. Understanding more about the Change Process

6. Recognising how many 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc “Arrows” cause you emotional distress

7. Recognising how much Cognitive Distortions cause you emotional distress

8. There is a difference between having a Problem-oriented perspective and a Recovery-oriented perspective

Q: Of the above impactful aspects you have chosen, pick your top three (or more) in order of importance for you (identify them as first, second, third etc.)

A: First - 6; Second - 7; Third - 3

Q: Are there any further aspects that you would like to add?

A: "I find the weekly sitrep a good exercise for me, it makes me reflect on the week and how I have felt in that particular week. The neuroscience was very helpful and the visual of the neurons rushing around a path helped with my understanding of the module. Also the section on stopping brain chatter, which I use a lot now."

Q: In your own words, please write about your experiences so far (up to Stage 4/starting Stage 5):

A: "Life has got in the way a bit and I haven’t spent as much time as I wanted engaging in the course, that being said I have probably absorbed more by going more slowly. I obviously hoped that the programme would help me with my tinnitus but am surprised as to how much it has already. My awareness and anxiety from my tinnitus has already come down a lot, which is fantastic! It’s been a positive experience so far and it am sure it will continue to be."

Q: Would you recommend CBT4T to others looking for help, based on your experience of the course so far, and why?

A: "Definitely! I feel like this programme is giving me the control to manage my tinnitus in a positive and informed way. I never imagined when I joined the course that there would be so much content and that I would learn so much. The tools I have already have helped me deal with difficult situations and the outcomes of these have been more positive as a result."