I don`t know the Berrent program but I have experience with both the Dr. Richards and Cleland one.
I purchased the Dr. richard one 2 years ago. I was in the middle of the program when I sent an email to Dr. Richard asking how should I deal with panic attacks. His answer was disappointing enough to quit from the program altogether. He told if I have panic attacks I don`t have SA, I have panic disorder and I should look after different treatment for that.
Well this statement contradicts with his own definitions about the two disorders which are still available on his website:
Differences Between Social Anxiety and Panic Disorder
I only have panic attacks in social situations and every other source confirmes that panicattack may be part of SA.
As he himself admited this program is unlikely to work for one who has very bad physical symptoms in social situations like panic attacks. However if your worst symptom is say blushing but otherwise you can communicate most probably it would be helpful to you.
I think the reason for this is that the program is about to build new, positive neural pathways and forget the old ones which maintain anxiety. However if you can not talk properly because you are so anxious in social situations it is very difficoult to be positive about upcoming events and just simply ignore your symptoms.
After I gave up on the above program I came across with Sue Cleland`s DVD program. Similarly to Dr. Richard Sue Cleland is also an ex SA sufferer and she has also completely recovered from SA.
In addition Sue Cleland also had panicattacks like myself so this made her program more promising to me.
Yet I didn`t buy the program for a year after I came across with it because it is so highly priced.
Couple of months ago I got to the rock bottom (panic attacks, depression, etc.) and in desparation I ordered the DVD set. I don`t regret my decision to the smallest because I think this is one of the best program for SA out there.
The big difference to other programs is that instead of positiv thinking approach it uses realistic thinking approach. If you have panic attacks there is no amount of saying to yourself that “everything is going to be all right!” will make a difference. Instead of trying to treat the symptoms itself the program goes down to the core of the problem which is our belief system. You can face 1000 times with the same situation, if you don`t challenge your belief system you are not going to be any better. Social anxiety is only a physical manifestation of a deeper problem. If you don`t address that you are just making yourself up to unecessary suffering by confronting your fears.
This program is excellent to discover these unhealthy beliefs and teaches you how to change them.
The only problem is that this is probably the most expensive program available ($460 AUD). Still I think if you can afford it it worth the high price. I have wasted much more money during the years on useless counselling and I would have been much better off just to buy this one instead.
Alternatively you can check it out on ebay or some other sites. Sometimes you can catch a cheaper second-hand one like I did with the Dr. Richard one.
Take care!
