Kat

No, I have not turned into a "party animal", but I am successfully participating in Toastmasters and have given English as a second language lessons solo even though my first practice teaching session was a meltdown (the assessor stepped in). There are other things I did not do before. So I am not running into insuperable barriers, which only falsely seemed insuperable. Unlike previously, I also know that it is not intractable.

The thing with CBT is that you have to do it 100% consistently, which can be difficult. Sometimes I forget and, rarely, seem unable to do it. As mentioned on the course, that is to be expected, and hence not a stumbling-block. It really helps to have an unconditional supporter, which I do not. Anyone who does is fortunate, and that is a good reason to give it a go.

I did not mean to suggest that I have been cured - that is for others to judge anyway. Having a positive attitude is a prerequisite, which may have given that impression.

It's funny you should say that .

There were a number of interviews before the course, and in one of them I said the same thing, only I expressed it as "an aspect of personality" instead of personality trait. That was revisited the next meeting, presumably because they thought it might be an impediment, and I said that I could prevent it from getting in the way.

Much of the course looked at the misperceptions you have. After the course I read an article which, inter alia, talked about believing that no-one likes you in the teeth of contrary evidence. Furthermore, that belief prompts actions which turn others off, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. To me, if misperceptions drive creating problems yourself, then now I feel it is a mentall illness. What I thought originally is an aspect of the devil on the other shoulder.

The thing about CBT is that you have to be consistent. There is some information about that here: http://www.socialphobiaworld.com/six...over-it-11127/.

When I was doing the course in Sydney I bought a book about phobias; the condition defends itself, so you have an angel on one shoulder saying "go ahead" and a devil on the other saying "it's impossible". It is like the QUIT ad, where the habit of smoking appears as a gaseous thing in a tube saying "you have tried before and failed" and "you will never get rid of me".

That was mentioned in one of the last sessions of the course in Sydney, we were asked if we felt some of the exercises were "silly". Once you realise that you can try to counteract it.

It is always possible to have another go at something. I have done a number of things on the second attempt .

Hey there.... Yup. I'm alright. You?

No, I haven't met anyone here, although I did meet the people on the course in Sydney.

Here is similar material to what was on the course:

http://www.socialphobiaworld.com/very-helpful-self-help-material-19508/.

Some universities run similar programs; perhaps one in Adelaide does too. I stayed in Sydney for a few months while doing it.

That's exactly right; it genuinely does seem like it, but, in reality, it is not true. For my part the physical symptoms have gone away, and the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy course at Macquarie University has helped further. Among other things, it helped by showing that my perceptions are inaccurate. With realistic thoughts instead actions can also change.

Thanks for accepting. I don't think you are beyond repair.

You're a nice person Kat

Hey! Nice to hear you're doing well. I'm still the same old drone haha..

Hi.. how are you doing? Still writing?

haha. That puppy is really cute, Kat. Of course, I prefer hulkish, brutish dogs, but tbh if my gf/fiance/wifey wanted a little dog, we'd probably wind up getting a little dog. lol.

Oh and OMG! Did ya hear! Legend of the Seeker got canceledzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!! Ack!

This might sound really weird and random, but you really remind me of Vera Farmiga and Kate Beahan. Compliment, by the way.

Hope you and Troy are doing well, Kat!

Here's a rather random chart of types of cats:



:D :D

The Adventures of Kat and Troy? Sounds promising! I'd watch!

"who knows I maybe moving to America"

::

haha. And imagine: you'll finally get to watch American crap tv as it original airs! Woot! Woot!

You're all like *poof* gone. lol. Well... hopefully you two are having fun!

Ah, British stuff is always so good (The Inbetweeners, Wallander). Puts most American tv to shame...

Glad Troy likes LotS. As long as you guys stick to the first season, you'll be fine me thinks.

hahahaha. You two make a ridiculously cute couple!

I especially love your smile in that pic, Kat! You're clearly being genuinely entertained! LOL!

How low can you go, Kat?