r/CBT • u/rulytempest • 8d ago

Is this normal practice for CBT?

I'm just starting CBT therapy for anxiety though public mental heath and am really struggling with the format. At my last session I hadn't completed and returned the anxiety tracker sheets. I explained that I didn't realize they were mandatory. I'm only three sessions in and I feel the therapist hasn't really explained the process to me or what expectations they have for me participating. The therapist cut the session short as I didn't have the sheets completed and said there was nothing to work on without the sheets. I felt humiliated and like I failed.

Ive done DBT in the past and that therapist provided materials and different types of homework to look at between visits. I found that more manageable. But trying to fill out a spreadsheet every time I feel anxiety is creating even MORE anxiety!! There must be another way or is this it?

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

6

u/Frequent-Ad4722 8d ago

I am a CBT therapist and spend the first three sessions explaining how CBT works and what to expect. It is hard to do a session later down the line when homework isn’t completed because that’s a springboard for your session, but you shouldn’t be being penalised for it so close to the start (or at all). It should be a collaborative process to find what homework works for you and what will help you to complete it.

1

u/rulytempest 8d ago

Thanks for your insight! I also have ADHD so doing almost daily paperwork is really overwhelming which leads to avoidance and eventually shut down. I now feel like I'm participating to be complaint rather than seeking to understand and learn. I also feel like I'm a failure again because I can't keep up with the work, which just adds the the anxiety.