What is Your Biggest Question About Agoraphobia?
Today, I emailed a survey to everyone on my list asking this question:
“What is Your Biggest Question About Agoraphobia?”
I had about 45 responses within one hour, and the questions keep coming in. I want to answer as many or all of the questions that I can - and here are the ways I am going to do it:
1. Through the weekly Voice of Hope Messages (sent each Friday people on my mailing lists).
2. In the monthly Agoraphobia Report Newsletters.
3. Through regular posts on this blog.
4. During upcoming telephone seminars.
I am going to be offering telephone seminars very soon, to give you a chance to get on the phone with me and ask questions. These teleseminars will also give me the chance to go deeper and share specific, step-by-step details about agoraphobia recovery for those who sign up.
If you sign up for the Agoraphobia Report Newsletter, you will be notified of all the above. Also, if you have a question about agoraphobia click on “Questions?” and submit it. I will do my best to respond.
I care about your recovery from agoraphobia.
January 29th, 2009 at 4:28 am
Hi Stephen,
I know I’ve written about this before but it’s a pet peeve of mine.
I’ve had agoraphobia for about 48 years. I am self-diagnosed and doctor verified. I spent many years off and on in therapy when I was able to work and of the myriad of treatments I’ve undergone, I agree with you that CBT is the only thing that seems to work.
I’ve made lots of progress over the years but my problem now is that all the CBT programs available are MUCH more than I can afford. I am trying to make ends meet on a very low fixed income (SS Disability that has gone to straight SS) and I cannot afford any of these programs.
I have been taking the same amount of Xanax for many years and it’s the only thing that brings me down to “normal”. I feel no euphoria, just relief that I can drive to the store. I don’t like taking them but it’s the only thing that allows me to be functional.
I guess my question is, with all the good-hearted people out there - including yourself……..the people who know my pain and the negative effect agoraphobia has had on my life………why are there no free programs out there. Afterall, you are dealing with a segment of the population that is very limited in obvious ways as well as financially. Are we to believe that only people with money can get any help? The anxiety of not being able to pay my bills certainly works against all the positive and hard work I do.
I suppose my question is whether there are free CBT programs out there that will finally free me from this terrible curse.
Thanks for listening……………
Deana