Questions received concerning the "Overcoming Social Anxiety" series...Dr. Richards answers below.
Dr. Richards,
I have started using the 20 Tape Series and am currently on session # 2. I have a few questions I hope you can answer for me please.
1.) Can I go more than 7 days per session or would it be counterproductive to do that ? I don't intend to deliberately extend a session if I don't have to but I am curious .
2.) Do I need to listen to the audio tape every day as well as do the practicing of slow talk, Ants stoppage, and Coping thoughts ?
3.) For the practice of slow talk I am reading the handouts mentioned above instead of finding something else. Is that a good idea or bad ?
-- Roger
Roger,
#1- yes, this is much better than speeding through the cognitive material, which, as you know, is very important.
#2- You don't need to listen to the tape every day. It is reading over the handouts in the appropriate way that is important. However, some people may find the time to do both, thus additionally reinforcing the cognitive (rational) material.
#3- That is a good idea. If you slow (calm) talk a cognitive strategy or concept, you will be allowing it to get into your brain more peaceably and effectively. Thus, you are killing two birds with one stone.