Posted by The Therapist on 18/8/2011, 9:00 pm

As you will see from my previous posts I have more or less got over my pauresis in the last year. But today was a landmark day for me. Today I was at the very top of my hierachy of fear. Small toilet, 2 urinals close together and the person next to me strikes up a conversation. Although I noticed a slight restriction in flow indicating maybe a tiny bit of anxiety I was able to go. I believe my CBT training was instrumental in this. Noticing micro safety behaviours and resisting the urge to do them is critical. Let me explain. As I entered the toilet I thought I sensed somebody walk in behind me. I had the urge to turn around and check but this would be a safety behaviour which would tell the amygdala (brains fear response centre) that there was danger. Instead I carried on to the urinal telling myself it doesnt matter if there is someone behind me or not. Well there was someone behind me and he started a conversation. In the past if someone talked I would panic but this time I concentrated on going and answered when I was ready. Understanding how our behaviours affect our thoughts and physical reactions (the misfire) is what CBT is all about and I am so glad I trained as a therapist.It has been a great help to me and I have been able to help many others who have different anxiety disorders to me and show them how changing your behaviours can reduce anxiety problems

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