Agoraphobia Treatment Options
How to Choose a Self-Help Program for Agoraphobia
When choosing a self-help program for agoraphobia, choose a program that:
1) Is developed for agoraphobia specifically, not panic and anxiety in general. A program written for agoraphobia specifically should include strategies to help you undo phobic conditioning. The main difference between agoraphobia and panic disorder (and some of the other anxiety disorders) is that agoraphobia is also phobia. When you have a phobia, your mind develops specific irrational fears. You need a self-help program that helps you re-conditioning or desensitizing yourself to your fears – not just help you stop panic attacks.
2) Includes a step-by-step action plan. Many people are overwhelmed with information when they first start a self-help program. They find that the program contains loads of valuable knowledge, but they don’t know where to start. Choose a program that has a plan to guide you through each step of the recovery process, so you will know how to best apply the information and strategies the program offers.
3) Is developed by someone who has recovered from agoraphobia AND has a background in psychology. Someone who has studied psychology can offer you deeper knowledge, but won’t understand your pain from experience. A recovered agoraphobic can offer you all the empathy and inspiration you’ll ever need, but have knowledge limited to personal experience. Choose a recovery program that gives you the best of both worlds.
4) Offers you a person, not just a program. Is written by an author who is personally available to you to answer your questions. The sad truth is, there are lots of people who are glad to sell you their program for agoraphobia based on their personal experience, but if you have a question or need personal help, then good luck. Don’t buy a program from someone that will just take your money and disappear. You shouldn’t have to call an 800 number and speak to a hired phone counselor or customer service representative if you need help or have a question.
5) Does not make unrealistic claims of having the one secret to curing agoraphobia overnight. Cognitive and behavioral techniques are the most effective treatment for agoraphobia and take about 12-16 weeks to start changing your life. Buy a program that includes techniques that are based on research, not hype or propaganda.
6) Helps you do more than just get out of the house without having a panic attack. You are more likely to recover from agoraphobia if you have motivation that goes beyond just avoiding panic attacks and trying to be normal again. Choose a program designed to help you envision goals for life beyond agoraphobia that will inspire you to recovery and that will help you redeem the painful experience of agoraphobia as an opportunity for personal growth.
7) Comes with a guarantee. If a program doesn’t help you, you shouldn’t have to pay for it. Enough said. There are self-help programs on the market that offer you your money back if it doesn’t help you. Don’t you wish therapists did the same?