It is wonderful to hear that you have been continuing to work on your exposure. When you get a chance take a look at the exposure plan section of the program. There is an exposure planner provided, where you can set up a plan that will help outline how you'll achieve each treatment goal. Work on this and report back to us!
Those who have used the exposure planner, what tips or suggestions do you have? How has it helped you organize your exposure work?
Davit, Yes I do think I could do it again, although I have found that if I do something once and then not again it is still just as difficult so I have actually been making it a point to at least go one city over on the weekends even if for no other reason than to drive there so that my comfort zone will STAY expanded. It really does get easier every time.
Thank you for the update. This is great news. I am so happy that you were able to overcome this hurdle. Having Agoraphobia myself I know what a Huge accomplishment this is. Congratulations !!!!! I found your story very inspiring and want to thank you for taking the time come back and share it with all of us here. I love your positive attitude and will take your advice to keep pushing the envelope with a "can to" attitude.....
I want to thank everyone for their advice, and I'm sorry it took me so long to post back - because I DID IT! I got the job and having been working a lot.
I did what was suggested- had a safe person drive me (especially through one part of the drive that was particularly difficult, it helped not to be the one driving), and I practiced every day, getting a little further each time. The end result was that I made it not just one city past where I thought I could go, but THREE, all the way there - TWICE. I had not been over the hill into those cities in fourteen years, I could hardly believe that I made it even part of the way, much less the entire way. I cried the whole time because it was so amazing to me that I made it, after all of these years. I have been getting better little by little for years, but I had never tried to go over there because I just knew that I "couldn't" - I never even tried.
I guess for me, the lesson here is to rethink what I "can" and "can't" do and at least make the effort. I think I have gotten too comfortable in knowing what is and isn't possible/realistic for me, not taking into account all the changes and progress that I've made.
I just wanted to post my little success and hope maybe it helps someone, somehow :D
There is indeed some good advice below. I would also echo the idea of having a safe person drive you for this one time and for practicing the extra 5 miles.
Something that helps me when I have to drive out my comfort zone is to leave a LOT of time to get there. That way, if I do need to pull over, I can. Sometimes just knowing that helps and instead I make it all the way there and take the extra time that I have to celebrate by treating myself (e.g. to a Chai Tea Latte).
Good luck and you should feel sooooo proud of the strides that you have already made. You have overcome a LOT and that will no doubt help you in this next phase of tackling the anxiety!!!
