There is feedback from users of the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme avilable on the CBT for Tinnitus E-Programme website
Patients' Success Stories
I had a big problem with my tinnitus over Christmas, 2011. There was an issue at work which had caused me great anxiety. This anxiety sparked a major reaction in my existing high levels of tinnitus, which completely unnerved me and seemed to send my tinnitus soaring.
Some months before someone had told me about a clinic at Clitheroe that specialised in tinnitus. I was desperate, found the web site and sent off an e mail on boxing day, wondering whether I would get a reply. As it happens I did not have to wait long, as Debbie replied later that day, despite the clinic being shut over Christmas and new year. I was immediately struck by her tremendous empathy and the care that she showed to me, a complete stranger. Her e mail support continued over the next few days until despite the snow, she was able to open up the clinic especially for us to meet.
I found the process that Debbie follows to be exactly what I needed. It was very logical and measured, and gradually over time I came to dismiss the illogical thoughts that were causing my distress. As this happened, my anxiety levels slowly dropped and with it my perceived high level of tinnitus.
I have no hesitation in recommending Debbie to anyone who suffers from tinnitus.
Debbie, I just want to say how grateful I am for the guidance you have given me in coping with tinnitus. To talk and discuss the problem with one who fully understands has been an enormous help, and to anyone who is wondering where to find help, please, just get in touch with Debbie. From an early stage of near panic a few weeks ago, I am now on top of the situation and managing it better all the time
Before I came to your clinic Debbie I was really fearful of the tinnitus I had developed. I was anxious and the more I felt like that, the worse the tinnitus got.
I made an appointment to see you and from that moment on just being able to talk to you about it, someone who knew exactly what I was going through was very reassuring. In just a few sessions you helped me understand what tinnitus was all about and as a result of the therapy I received from you I learnt to manage it myself successfully. Now I hardly hear it and best of all don’t worry about it. I just get on with life.
Thank you so much for your help.
I would like to say a big thanks for the help you have given me in coping with the tinnitus that has caused me a lot of anxiety over the last three and a half years.
I can't quite believe how much things have changed for me over the last three months.
After just a couple of sessions with you explaining the tinnitus levels and how to understand what is happening and how to manage it, I was starting to feel more positive. It's changed my outlook on my tinnitus now. It's not ruling my life like it used to.
I have just enjoyed a holiday abroad for the first time in three and a half years as I was convinced that flying would make my tinnitus worse. I am also back to riding my motor bikes and going to football matches again. I would never have done these things without your reassurance that it would be fine, and I feel really pleased with myself having done it.
The tinnitus management course was great and I would recommend it to anyone who is troubled with their tinnitus.
Thank you Debbie for everything.
My life has always been full of anxiety and tension as far back as I can remember. I spent a long time in hospital at the age of 4 following a serious accident. I have many awful and vivid memories of that time. I had major brain surgery to remove a clot from my brain. I won't go into great detail here but suffice to say my childhood was not ideal, with an alcoholic father and an invalid mother, I was often worried and afraid.
The pattern continued throughout adulthood with many awful things happening, some quite terrible, I could not even begin to explain, Debbie has knowledge of some of these incidents which all just reinforced my insecurity and anxiety.
I had tinnitus since the childhood accident, which was quite severe and sometimes distressing, but having had it for so long I realise now I had become habituated to it and it wasn't always a big problem. Then suddenly in my 54th year for no apparent reason it increased to truly terrible levels. This, I believe was the final straw that broke the camel's back.
When I came to see Debbie I was very depressed and had been off work for several months. I could hardly go outside my front door and a trip to the hospital was almost more than I could manage. In my mind I was broken and beyond repair. Debbie has helped to bring me back from a very dark and scary place into the light again and, although I realise I still have some way to go, I know with absolute certainty that I will make the journey to an even better place than I have ever been before.
My tinnitus is still there but I am not afraid of it in the same way as before. I am a much stronger person, I feel more worthwhile and in control of my life. My thinking has changed, and although I still taking citalopram for depression, I can envisage coping without it in the near future. I have also lost weight: almost 5 stone up to now. I'm stronger in my body, fitter, healthier. Another thing I've noticed is I no longer need medication for serious heartburn, which I have been on for the last few years and my blood pressure is normal for the first time in a long time.
I am calmer, happier. I have learned how to relax and as such sleeping better than in years. I still have family problems but I don't blame myself for everything that goes wrong like I used to. I can rationalise. I am enjoying life again and although not quite ready to engage in many social functions I am enjoying activities that were lost to me. I started to go walking, at first just 5 mins, then 10 mins, then I could leave the house for an hour and more. I have found I love to walk and didn't even know it! I go swimming, something I haven't done in many, many years and again, I love it. I have joined a gym and really look forward to going. I am happier at work, (I would be even happier if I could afford to work a few less hours!!) but as it is I am not so stressed as I was and my anxiety levels are way down to what they used to be.
All of this is due to the course of therapy that included tinnitus management and CBT I was put on by Debbie. I know she will say I did it myself, that it was my hard work that got me to where I am now and I can accept that is true, up to a point, but Debbie certainly pointed me in the right direction and gave me the tools to help myself. I know with certainty I could never have done this without her. Never.
I will be forever grateful for the chance to have someone like Debbie help me through this terrible time in my life. Her services are vital to people like me. The journey I am on now is continuous and ongoing and I will try to stay focussed and remember all that I have learned under the guidance of Debbie.