Does the Lucinda Bassett program work?

[ryn21]

I stumbled across a few posts referencing the Lucinda Bassett program (Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety).  Browsing the net, I was skeptical as to the validity of the reviews for the program.  I was wondering if any of you have tried the program.  For those of you who have, how would you rate the program and were the results significant and sustained?

[JSGeare]

Does it "work." Yeah, it works really well for her -she's making money on that stuff. Does it work for others? The answers range from "never" to "sometimes" to "always." Just for fun, let me do a search on Ebay and see what we come up with (goes to Ebay). I see that the price on her web site is 8 easy payments of about $60 each -that's $480 buckos. And I see that Ebay has it for about half that or less. So that gives you of an idea of how the market values it when a "free economy" is involved. And I also see that to even FIND the price on her web site involves some digging -so it appears to me she's a bit nervous about presenting her price right up front (and she's all about NOT being nervous -go figure).

But lets get down to cases here: meds don't "work," therapy doesn't "work," books and CD's don't "work," and nothing at all just "works" all by itself. It's not like a solar powered outdoor light that you stick in the ground and it just sort of lights up by itself at night. The WORK is done by YOU; your brain changes and heals just like a broken leg or blister -the solution is all inside of YOU. The meds, the CD's, the books and baying at the moon while throwing chicken bones on the ground are ALL TOOLS.

I'm not just trying to make fun of this stuff -really I'm not. I'm trying to get across the point of view that puts you -puts anybody- in the best position to understand the entire approach to recovery. And so, back to our friend Lucinda: if her approach -the workbooks, the carry cards, the CD's and all the rest of it "connect" with you in terms of how you would feel best about handling your recovery, then give it a shot (but do it at Ebay). But bear in mind that there are no medicinal or magical properties to the 75 cents worth of plastic and paper you'll get. If it "works" at all, it will do so because YOU did the work.

My own approach was to use a psychiatrist - a living, breathing human who could respond to me in real time. I would have gone nutz digging out a wallet card of things to say to myself, or dashing home or to my car to listen to a CD. But THAT may be your cup of tea! If it is, pour it on. Just understand that YOU do the "work."

OK? OK!

[nursegirl6572]

Amen!!!

Sadly...all of these anxiety treatments are so popular...b/c when we are "suffering" with panic/amxiety....we want a quick/fast/miracle/easy/instant cure!!  JS is right....it takes time, and regardless of WHAT treatment route you take....it is YOU that does the work and has to make the changes from inside out.

I look at all of the other things (treatment modalities for anxiety) as basically a crutch for a broken leg.  The crutch will certainly help you through the healing process....but if you don't get the fracture REPAIRED, the crutches are not very worthwhile.  Right?

[be still my beating heart 13]

While I agree completely with the responses above, I must chime in here to relay my experience with Lucinda's program.  When I ordered the program I was housebound (agoraphobic), unable to drive, and having multiple panic attacks on a daily basis.  I knew I needed help and being that my finances wouldn't allow me to seek the professional help I needed and the fact that I was choosing to remain med-free, I decided to give the program a shot.  By the end of the program I was taking advantage of every opportunity to leave my house, I was driving again, and the daily panic attacks disappeared.  The program truly did give me my life back.  But all that said I must admit that the anxiety is still with me, the program didn't "cure" me, and I know that I still have lots of work to do before I can say I am fully recovered.  What I am getting at here is if you are housebound, or cannot afford to see a psychologist/psychiatrist, then by all means give it a try!  Don't expect it to be a miracle cure, but you will feel increasingly better as the weeks go by.

Hope this helps you and that you feel better soon!

Cori

[shelzmike]

Once again, JS is right on the money. I once thought about trying the Lucinda Bassett program, but something told me there was something a little off with it. I mean, why is this lady on TV so much and have so many ads, etc? That shows me that it is a money thing, not a helping thing. The best things in life really are free (or at least low cost).

This may not surprise anyone who knows me on here, but I would recommend you go to the library or bookstore and get a copy of "Hope and Help for your Nerves" by Dr. Claire Weekes. To emphasize JS's message, this is not a cure all (nothing is), but it helps get you in the frame of mind that you need to be in - this is an illness and can be cured (or at least coped with easily). I have had GAD for more than 7 years now and have tried so many things, so I think by the time I read this book I was READY to be done with it. This book has seriously changed my life. I am nearly 100% anxiety free (on most days) and really have my life back. Again, I am not preaching Gospel here or anything nor am I the man with the magic elixir, but hey - reading this can ONLY help and will not hurt at all. Good Luck and remeber, until you realize that it is inside of you to heal this thing and it is a state of mind (and that state of mind is that you WANT to get better) anxiety will win every time. So don't let it.

Mike

[mixmaster]

I just had to post a response since I have had amazing results with the Lucinda Bassett program.  I picked it up on eBay for about half of the full $500 and it was a little bit older than the program they have now I think.  I don't think there have been any substantial changes in a while though.

I'm 40 this year and had been to countless psychiatrists and therapists in the last ten years or so with little or no benefit.  I've read just about every self help book in existence including the Hayes book mentioned above with little or no benefit.  I've been on a dozen or so anti anxiety and depression meds with little or no benefit but the program worked wonders for me.

Your mileage may vary, what works for one might not work for another but the program was my last resort and saved me.  Good luck and don't give up, keep looking and eventually you'll find what works _for you_.

[bbygrl4u]

I have tried everything even that program and what worked for me was starting a vitamin and mineral supplement eating more fish and veggies.I would write in a notebook but never go back and read it burn it throw it away something.I promise I didn't go to the store my husband did all of that for 4 years I was a hermit and barely went out alot before that.But getting a better diet and exercise helped I was so scared of having  a panis attack I was scared to exercise and make my heart go fast.One thing I told myself is so what if I pass out or have a heart attack they will call an ambulance and all will be fine.I think getting closer to God and having a true friend also helped me a great deal.I have been there and wasted so much money on things even doctors and I had the power to change it all by myself.I take a childrens vitamin and mineral way less expensive and does what it is supposed to take an extra vitamin d and natural calm by peter gillham is a lifesaver the stuff really worked go to ebay or choicenutritionals.com to get it at a great price this stuff is better than taking any pill and is natural.Please don't waste your money on those things if you ever take advice take this you have the power to change your life it is all up to you.

[Angcskin]

I did just get their "free" trial in the mail.  I think all I've done is create more stress because my husband is now mad at me for trying something when I've not exhausted all the resources of the military network.  I think I'm going to send it back but could you send me the info on the download.  That might be an option.  My e-mail is ***@****.  I need some help my husband is deploying to Iraq and I'm scared to death I'm going to have another panic attack that could put me in the hospital.  I have a child now.  Anyways any help or suggestions would help.

[JoseTony]

I am agree that all depends of you, even when you go to the therapist. So from this point of view, yes you have to work, nobody will do the job for you. But this is one of the best practical material that ever found. Nothing was invented but it summarise important things to deal with. The main point is negative thoughts and how to deal with. So please, try it. It will be helpfull in some way. Use your search tool for Internet for "Attacking Anxiety & Depression Audio Tracks" and you will find the way to download. Good luck from Argentina

[crystalhanzelka]

I am currently working on this program and feel it is helping ALOT.  Ebay has it really cheap...did not know that until I bought it for like 600 bucks...but hey...seems to help...

[junolct]

I lived with serious anxiety issues for about 7 years, starting in my early twenties.  I never wanted to admit that I wasn't happy or that I may have a problem.  I finally decided I couldn't live like that any longer and decided to get some help a year ago. At the time, I didn't want to go to therapy, so I ordered Lucinda Bassett's program and began doing the work.  I never knew that you could control your thoughts and learned how to repattern my brain and calm myself through the exercises in her program.  The program was a jumping off point for me.  I then dealt with some issues I had head on.  After that, I started seeing a therapist who does resonance repatterning (feel free to google it).  I also read Eat, Pray, Love and Eckhart Tolle's book A New Earth.  Those books helped me tremendously.  I've learned a lot from Oprah's Live Webcast with Eckhart Tolle and her interviews with other people on her Soul Series.  I've been in therapy now for 9 months and I can't tell you how much better I feel.  I started taking responsibility for my feelings and my mental health one year ago, and because of all of the things I listed above, I am an even better version of myself than I used to be when I was younger.  It is a process and it takes time and it's a hard road, but it can be done.  I did all of this without any drugs, which is my own personal choice.  I think it's different for everyone so you have to find things that work for you.  I also believe that meditation helps quiet the mind and connect you with God, which has brought me a lot of peace.  Back to Lucinda's program... I definitely think it helps and is worth trying.  I wish everyone good luck, love and peace!

[DARRYL21270]

It's funny how people criticize programs like this and call them scams and ripoffs and at the same time they offer their own remedies and so called cures instead.Even though they may not make any money doing it they are doing the exact same thing they are complaining about.Their just pissed that someone other than themselves is making money helping people.

[acousticman]

pay attention!!
Whether this program is true or false is not the issue! at all!
It is hard to stop a routine whether it is a bad one or a good one.
We all suffer from anxiety in one way or another. But if we can
just stop long enough to see the problem, then the problem can be dealt with, and most of the time, cured.
My method is lots of prayer, a healthy dose of certain vitamins and minerals i.e. B6,B12,D and Magnesium. So, just try this you might be suprised at the results.
Oh by the way did I mention you need a friend who you can freely talk with and be able listen to you.
Acousticman

[dean85]

Everyone suffers from anxiety and depression at some time, however when it remains a controlling factor in your life and starts to interfere with how you live your life or even prevent you from activities then its time to get help. This is a fifteen week program that helps you attain skills to stop your panic attacks or other symptoms you may have. My fiancé actually ordered the program after having an panic attack and I am going through the program as well so that I may better understand the condition. I am finding that I too have the condition in certain aspects and have benefited from just the first three weeks. To the persons who note Ebay and the selling of the product I would point out that the program is updated so you may be getting an older version of the program (thus the price cut). The workbooks that come with the program are key to success as started several times in the audio and video program so be sure to get and use them! For the person who argues the infomercial and advertisement programs... well we can all look at the Bowflex and how long they have been advertising, its because the product works. I too was skeptical for a long time due to the price and the exaggerated promises, however just like this program if you stick to the guidelines it will work. Diet and exercise and cutting off the caffeine and sugars will help reduce and or eliminate some of the anxious feelings you may have (as stated in the program) but the program will certainly help you attain those skills needed to understand why you are feeling the way you are and to change them, for this the program is priceless.

[rogerandsally]

I am Roger in Texas and have tried many different things. I am 50 now and have suffered with depression and many other of its terrible side effects. I just wanted everyone who sees this to  'PLEASE '  pray for Roger so that he will get better and at least get better enough to keep going. Thanks to you all who pray for me , Merry  CHRIST mas  to you and yours and may  2009 be Blessed.

[CG822]

I have Lucinda's program and I belong to the chat forums.  Many of people have recovered using it.  I didnt finish it, but what I did do did help me.  It takes time and patience's.  If you feel you want to try it, go for it.  There is a 30 day free trial.  

[drdoombot]

I downloaded the program after having started sessions with a therapist 6 months earlier (and making SLOW progress). I followed the instructions precisely and used the tapes and workbook religiously. I saw rapid improvement and drastic changes after the first six weeks, which continued until I finished the program. That was in June 2008 and though I still might have occasional feelings of anxiety, I feel I can handle it without fear.

One thing I think every person should consider is how much they desire to get over their anxiety and depression. I had hit rock-bottom and worried about whether or not I was making real progress with my therapist when I started it. I've tried passing this program on to a couple of other people and they all thought it was corny or stupid and quit. Being a skeptic myself, I realize I would have quit this program as well if I had not reached dire levels of depression and agoraphobia. Seeing how much I had sunk made me commit to the program no matter how silly I might have thought certain parts of it were. For this program to give you any benefit, you are required to have an open mind about what it tries to teach you.

I believe that a committed person will get a lot from the program alone, but seeing a therapist in addition to the program will be more beneficial. My therapist had me learning some CBT techniques, but they were disjointed and unstructured. It was the structure of Lucinda's program that made a difference for me. However, an important part of my recovery was having a therapist. Certain questions came up for me in the program that my therapist was able to help me with even though she was unfamiliar with the program I was using. The program is great, but having a professional to help guide you is necessary as well.

Considering how beneficial the program was to my overall success over the most debilitating aspects of my panic and anxiety, it would have been worth spending the money to the buy the program instead of downloading it. I'm even considering buying the program anyways so that the makers will get some compensation for the help they've given me.

[gizelle]

Yes! It works. It changed my life. I am angered that there are people saying it is a scam. It is not.  You could have charged me $4000 and I would have paid. It is worth every penny.  If it didn't work for you, it is because you were not ready to change.  No one can change you, but you.  Lucinda shows you how to change yourself! Lucinda is a Godsend.

[Susan08]

Ok, HereS MY ADVICE OF HER PROGRAM. I ALSO ORDERED HER PROGRAM IN LIKE JAN OF 09" i think it doesnt really help me that well... I believe negative thinkers; or anxiety and depression comes from experiences; It has something to do with abuse... either being physically, emotionally or sexually abused...Thinking is not the root of anxiety and depression at all... It's just you have to think about the things you want in life; but it needs counseling and a lot of therapy. People who have anxiety and depression are prone to see what they really like and dislike... It also involves being a an abusive household that has nothing to do with u. Not the child's fault for bad parenting... hope that helps:D

[Cris182]

I also bought this program.  They don't tell you that although you have the option to return it, you have to pay around 15.00 to do so.  And, they are very hateful when you ask them about that.  They told me that if I didn't like it, all it would cost me was the 14.95 to ship to me.  What a crock.  The whole thing is a crock.  
Cristy

[candiceskye]

I not only bought the program, but I'm also reading her book, "From Panic to Power".  I honestly do think that if you are skeptical about the program and its results, then you aren't going to get the results you want.  You need to go into it with an open mind, and tell yourself that you are ready to make some changes in your life.  I used to suffer from anxiety, and panic attacks on a daily basis.  Everything I've read has helped to change how I think.  I feel like a new person, and I enjoy life so much more than I ever have before.  I feel like I can take on the world.  And all I had to do was think positive.  Best of luck.

[happy2BAlive12345]

This program saved my life. I was 20 when I started getting real bad panic attacks and thought I was loosing my mind.  I didn't know what anxiety disorder was at the time, and this was the first thing that I came across that I could identify with what they were talking about.  I never did finish all the tapes in the program, as I felt I didn't need to, but you do have to be strict with the program or don't bother. I guess it depends on how badly you want to get better?  I still have the tapes and just knowing I have them eases my anxiety to this day.  I am now 31, and I don't have panic attacks anymore (knock on wood).  It's all thanks to this program.  I do still feel anxious, but I know how to control the feeling.  Really, anxiety is all related to your thoughts, and if you know how to control them life will be much more pleasant.  If you think the price is expensive then I guess you have to ask yourself how much do you value the happiness and calmness in your life? Really I think it is a small price to pay for a life of happiness. Feeling sceptical is normal seeings how there is so many bad programs out there, but I can assure you this is not one of them! I still use techniques from the program to help me get through some of my struggles, such as flying.  I won't be able to travel if I never had bought these tapes, and that would be very sad considering all the wonderful things I have seen in my life so far!  Good luck, be happy and the calmness will follow. Hope this helps you!

[VirtualReality23]

I tried Lucinda's program as well as numerous others over the years. In the end, I was left with a little less money and still have my anxiety and panic. Download it for free if you can and give it a try but I would not spend the money for her program.

[smiffykls]

While many are trying to prove a scam (or not) let's just say you're all commenting on the value or worth of the product. For those who find help it's invaluable, for others the "cost" outways your doubts of the product. But you would still pay that Lawyer $400 for 1/2 hour to try to get off that $125 speeding fine and that's ACCEPTABLE! Now there's a scam.
Having listened to Attacking Stress then there are some clear examples that I (you) could follow......and yes you all are correct I could have paid more or even less than this program charges. The question is whether you are prepared to accept advice, and some are clearly in that position so that this series will help {Lucinda or whoever does it). Others are not BUT you did come here to look for advice so admit it you are seeking something.
Personally though I find that the technique she uses is nothing new. And if you want a cheaper method look for the book "Changing Your Life in 7 Days" by Paul McKenna........pay $15 and get the CD with it. Is she ripping off her peers and the people she learned techniques from????
Give us a break we have ALL done that ...... just look at the way you responded to others posts.

[DukePatrol]

If you just think that using Lucindas program is the end all to end all it isn't-But many years ago when there was no Internet access and many people didn't get what anxiety was about-her program had more value-Now you can find out anything on the Internet so it's a bit outdated