Hi everyone.
Ive just started the program as ive started dozens of ideas/programs/counselling over the years.
how do i know these arent just a bunch of actors on tape ?
(think im skeptical??)
what will make this different than everything ive tried for over 20 years??
help?/
new and skeptical
Hi new and skeptical - I think your skepticism is reasonable. When I found out this program did infomercials, I thought, what kind of marginal stuff is this?
I've been doing the CDs since November, and am about two-thirds of the way through. I have to say, the results have been nothing short of amazing. And I say that as a 54-year-old woman who has done years of therapy, and has had a daily meditation practice for 30 years. I'd come a long way on my own. But I had never really understood that anxiety was about negative thinking, about being really hard on myself all the time. Seeing this, learning to change some old bad mental habits, has really made a difference.
It's amazing to me no one ever explained these things to me before. Some are so simple and obvious. But work.
I wish you luck. I hope you at least give it a try.
Missouri Gal
I've been doing the CDs since November, and am about two-thirds of the way through. I have to say, the results have been nothing short of amazing. And I say that as a 54-year-old woman who has done years of therapy, and has had a daily meditation practice for 30 years. I'd come a long way on my own. But I had never really understood that anxiety was about negative thinking, about being really hard on myself all the time. Seeing this, learning to change some old bad mental habits, has really made a difference.
It's amazing to me no one ever explained these things to me before. Some are so simple and obvious. But work.
I wish you luck. I hope you at least give it a try.
Missouri Gal
Hi, new and skeptical. I also understand that you would carry a whole lot of doubt about this program, or it's effectiveness. I think it is even more difficult for those of us whom have suffered from this disorder for many, many years, and have gone to a multitude of doctors, therapists, on and on, ad infinitum. Especially if they not only didn't work, but you worsened even as you were being treated? by them.
I remember when I was in my late 20's,and had been seeing a therapist, and a doctors for years, and not getting much better, but also not being told what WAS wrong with me either. I had no one else that I knew that had agoraphobia/panic disorder, nor did my family, and so I was just "crazy". It wasn't until I saw a Phil Donahue show back in the late 70's, and I saw someone? (Dr.Claire Weeks, or was it Lucinda back then?) that actually explained what I had, how it affected me/her, and what I could do about it, that I actually first heard the word "agoraphobia" and "panic attacks". I remember just watching that show, with the tears running down my face, because FINALLY someone had what I had, and they were willing to share about it, and to try and help the countless others of us out here that were also suffering from this disorder. I can tell you one thing, it was NOT a doctor or a therapist that told me any of that, much less what I had.
I am 55, and had my first serious panic attack when I was 11 years old, and the first one landed me up in the ER, hooked up to a heart monitor because we all thought I was having a heart attack! The agoraphobia did not get a real toehold until I was 19.
Give this a fair try. It certainly isn't going to hurt you more than you probably already are, or have been. I think that you will find this approach, and help, much more effective than you have before on your earlier tries. What do you have to lose?
Lynn Luv
I remember when I was in my late 20's,and had been seeing a therapist, and a doctors for years, and not getting much better, but also not being told what WAS wrong with me either. I had no one else that I knew that had agoraphobia/panic disorder, nor did my family, and so I was just "crazy". It wasn't until I saw a Phil Donahue show back in the late 70's, and I saw someone? (Dr.Claire Weeks, or was it Lucinda back then?) that actually explained what I had, how it affected me/her, and what I could do about it, that I actually first heard the word "agoraphobia" and "panic attacks". I remember just watching that show, with the tears running down my face, because FINALLY someone had what I had, and they were willing to share about it, and to try and help the countless others of us out here that were also suffering from this disorder. I can tell you one thing, it was NOT a doctor or a therapist that told me any of that, much less what I had.
I am 55, and had my first serious panic attack when I was 11 years old, and the first one landed me up in the ER, hooked up to a heart monitor because we all thought I was having a heart attack! The agoraphobia did not get a real toehold until I was 19.
Give this a fair try. It certainly isn't going to hurt you more than you probably already are, or have been. I think that you will find this approach, and help, much more effective than you have before on your earlier tries. What do you have to lose?
Lynn Luv
Hi N&S,
I have shared your skepticism in the past, however, I just started the program and I think it's the real deal. I saw my first therapist 22 years ago this April. I'm a lot better now than I ever was (much of it because of my own research and experience, just like Lucinda), but have decided to take part because I think it will accelerate my progress.
Believe the testimonials. Nobody could state what these people say without having an intimate understanding of the problem.
The program incorporates not just the best basic techniques I've discovered over the years (from therapy, reading and personal experience), but also addresses the problem of consistently using them long enough (in spite of being anxious/depressed) to change the behavior (I know I've had trouble with follow-through).
More than anything, though, it's focused on getting better. As such, the people talk a lot about how it worked for them. My shrink couldn't give me that kind of inspiration. That's a great motivator for me the skeptic.
So give it a shot. Even if it MIGHT not work, you deserve every chance at getting better, and that's just the kind of indulgent (read that, COMPASSIONATE-TOWARDS-SELF) attitude we all need to develop to be better.
Splurge on yourself! If it doesn't work it will be the fault of the program, not the fact you weren't willing to risk the time and money to help a very worthwhile person (YOU) feel better.
P.S. And don't you go thinking I'm a paid shill, too... I just took the time out of my busy day to write this.
Take care of yourself.
I have shared your skepticism in the past, however, I just started the program and I think it's the real deal. I saw my first therapist 22 years ago this April. I'm a lot better now than I ever was (much of it because of my own research and experience, just like Lucinda), but have decided to take part because I think it will accelerate my progress.
Believe the testimonials. Nobody could state what these people say without having an intimate understanding of the problem.
The program incorporates not just the best basic techniques I've discovered over the years (from therapy, reading and personal experience), but also addresses the problem of consistently using them long enough (in spite of being anxious/depressed) to change the behavior (I know I've had trouble with follow-through).
More than anything, though, it's focused on getting better. As such, the people talk a lot about how it worked for them. My shrink couldn't give me that kind of inspiration. That's a great motivator for me the skeptic.
So give it a shot. Even if it MIGHT not work, you deserve every chance at getting better, and that's just the kind of indulgent (read that, COMPASSIONATE-TOWARDS-SELF) attitude we all need to develop to be better.
Splurge on yourself! If it doesn't work it will be the fault of the program, not the fact you weren't willing to risk the time and money to help a very worthwhile person (YOU) feel better.
P.S. And don't you go thinking I'm a paid shill, too... I just took the time out of my busy day to write this.

I have tried many things in the past and they did not work. A little over 2 years ago I used this program, meds, a therapist, self help books, this forum and had the support of my family.
I have to say this program was more than I ever was told in therapy sessions. These are life skills to be applied in situations. I never got this in therapy. I did get to work out my past issues (alcoholic father, being abused by him, him not being around, etc) but after that I still reacted to situation the same so back on meds again! I did that 3 times. I did not want to do it again. I was going to get the program the 2nd time, but was skeptical. I wish I would have. I have been off Klonopin (will be 2 years in June) and Zoloft for about a year now. I am not freaky stressed, I do not let outside things crush me and my spirit. I wish they had a class like this in high school, I could have used many of these skills back then. My mom and sister also have done the program and it has made a positive difference in their lives as well. I can see it... I also can remember before my sister did the program, she asked me what she needed to do to have the peace and confidence I have! Today she is a much calmer, peaceful person. What a HUGE change! Good luck!
I have to say this program was more than I ever was told in therapy sessions. These are life skills to be applied in situations. I never got this in therapy. I did get to work out my past issues (alcoholic father, being abused by him, him not being around, etc) but after that I still reacted to situation the same so back on meds again! I did that 3 times. I did not want to do it again. I was going to get the program the 2nd time, but was skeptical. I wish I would have. I have been off Klonopin (will be 2 years in June) and Zoloft for about a year now. I am not freaky stressed, I do not let outside things crush me and my spirit. I wish they had a class like this in high school, I could have used many of these skills back then. My mom and sister also have done the program and it has made a positive difference in their lives as well. I can see it... I also can remember before my sister did the program, she asked me what she needed to do to have the peace and confidence I have! Today she is a much calmer, peaceful person. What a HUGE change! Good luck!