New Member and a Couple of Questions

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I'm very new to ACT and very new to this group. I have a couple of questions to

make sure I'm looking in the right direction. I've done some searching here and

have already read a lot of posts, so I have confidence that you all will be able

to help. A very welcoming group.

My story is far from unique, so I'll give you the quick version. I've suffered

from panic disorder for over 20 years, agoraphobia for about 7, and house bound

for the past 3. I've tried Paxil twice, Lexapro once, neither of which worked

in any appreciable way. I also have Xanax, which does work, but isn't a

long-term solution. Currently, I take none.

I have also tried CBT with a therapist a couple of years ago, and got

discouraged and stopped. This year, I have tried more CBT using workbooks

( " Mastering Your Anxiety " by Barlow and " When Panic Attacks " by Burns). I have

followed the books, doing all exercises and exposures, but have gotten stuck, in

that even with the smallest of exposures repeated many times, by anxiety level

doesn't decrease. Flooding is out of the question right now for me.

So here are my questions.

1. I like the concept behind CBT, but I feel that there aren't enough

techniques to teach *what* to replace the negative thoughts with. Or maybe I'm

not understanding the techniques. Can ACT work in conjunction with CBT to

address the thoughts, while CBT handles the techniques for exposure? Or will I

learn different methods of exposure with ACT? Or is it something else entirely?

2. I have a doctor making a house call this week. He wants me to try Klonopin

as needed, and not on a permanent basis (he encourages drug-free approaches).

Would occasional Klonopin use interfere with ACT?

I feel like the Klonopin might be needed for the short term, to help me get to

the dentist and to give me an occasional break from the constant anxiety so I

can work.

3. Is ACT what I'm looking for? I will be reading the book regardless, I'm

just curious if others have been in the same place and have had ACT work for

them.

Thanks for any responses, and thanks for letting me in this group.

Steve