Posted by Dave on 25/9/2010, 1:46 pm, in reply to "London workshop 17/09"

Just like to add my warmest thanks to Andrew and Colin for a great workshop. I really enjoyed myself (yes I do mean "enjoyed") and made many new friends. You ALL made me feel very relaxed and less anxious. Sharing your stories and hang ups really helps and being in a group situation gives you the motivation and confidence you need to face up to your fears. My regular CBT therapist was pleasantly surprised (even shocked) this Tuesday when I told him about the progress I had made over the weekend and he encouraged me to "keep up the momentum" by setting new goals and milestones. Tomorrow I'm "fluid loading" and going to spend an hour at my local motorway services to practice what I've learned. Practice, practice, practice is the key to beating this phobia and to regaining control of your life. Why does the workshop work? I liken it to going on a crash course for driving where everything is packed into one weekend and where there is a structured timetable of events where you are more motivated to do things by being in a group than if you were on your own. You learn more in a weekend than you would ever do otherwise. Having other people there with similar problems and anxieties helps you to overcome your fears and everyone just helps each other. So if while reading this you are debating whether to go on the workshop, the answer is clear. Just do it! Yes, be anxious. Yes, be apprehensive. It's only natural but don't wait any longer to make that decision which will change your life forever. This time last week I was in the same mind set as you wondering whether I would ever get over this problem. Now, one week later, my confidence is sky high and I'm buzzing. What a difference a weekend makes ... My only regret? I didn't do it sooner. Dave

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