Frequently Asked Questions

General

What does the course contain?

The course consists of a 90 minute DVD, a 78 page workbook and a relaxation CD. The DVD introduces the problem of worry, various ineffective coping strategies and errors in thinking that perpetuate the problem. The presenter then guides you through a structured approach which helps you look at your own worries in detail, challenge your beliefs and take measured steps to overcome these. The workbook supports this with worked examples and blank sheets and is printed in A4 size so that these are easy to use.

A relaxation CD with exercises and calming music is also included. This is for use when you feel stressed or anxious and just need a quick break from worry. It can be used straight away on its own, and the exercises are also included on the DVD with calming background imagery. As you learn how to challenge your worries through the course you should find the need to use this reduces.

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is very practical, logical and goal oriented. It is a way of exploring how you think about yourself, other people and the world around you. It also looks at the things that you do and how they influence the way that you think and feel. Once you have identified your areas of concern CBT helps you address thoughts and behaviours that you want to change.

CBT can help you change the way that you think and the things that you do. This can then help you feel better. CBT works on the ‘here and now', and assumes that unpleasant feelings are closely linked to certain thoughts or beliefs about yourself and the world around you.

CBT has been shown to be of use in addressing many psychological difficulties. CBT uses evidence from research to treat individual psychological difficulties. The evidence that CBT works is widespread. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is an independent organisation responsible for providing the NHS national health care guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment of ill health. From their research, NICE have recommended CBT in the treatment of many psychological problems such as difficulties with anxiety, anger, depression based difficulties and many more psychological problems.

How does The Worry Workout differ from clinical therapy?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is usually carried out in a clinical setting, with a trained practitioner - often a Clinical Psychologist - leading you through a series of steps to identify and address personal issues. The practitioner will usually set homework tasks between sessions which form the basis of ongoing therapy, tailored to the clients specific needs. A typical course of CBT can run to 10 sessions, with more deep seated problems requiring longer.

The Worry Workout uses a similar approach in a home setting, with access to a Clinical Psychologist being provided through an online forum for registered users. The course itself is driven by a DVD with a presenter introducing and guiding the user through the steps of CBT, with breaks at appropriate intervals so that tasks can be completed. It is specifically aimed at dealing with general worry and is not intended to replace clinical therapy, particularly for deeper issues.

Many scientists have carried out research and found that guided CBT works for the treatment of anxiety for the majority of people. See Cavanagh, K & Shapiro, DA (2004) Computer treatment for common mental health problems. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 60, 239-251 for a review. The Worry Workout has taken CBT delivery a step further by including a guide to take you through the steps of CBT.

A major benefit of this approach is the cost involved. The use of clinical psychologists on a one-to-one basis is very time consuming and can be very expensive. In contrast, by providing shared access to professional support through a user forum, worked examples and shared advice, the Worry Workout enables you to try CBT within your own time frame for a fraction of the cost.

How long does The Worry Workout take to work?

The Worry Workout is based on CBT and is not a miracle cure. As in a clinical setting you will need to think about your problems and complete a number of simple tasks yourself to make this effective. This takes a different amount of time for different people, depending on the depth of their feelings, the nature of their worries and the way they approach the tasks. For many people the insight provided will help them deal with worrying problems straight away, while for other this may take a little longer. In all cases, however, the techniques learned can provide lasting solutions to a number of problems as and when they arise.

Has it been developed by a professional Psychologist?

Yes, The Worry Workout programme has been developed by Dr Neil Hammond, a fully qualified and chartered Clinical Psychologist (B.Sc, D.Clin.Psych) with extensive experience of using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in practice. He is registered with the British Psychological Society and The Health Professional Council.

How to purchase the course

How do I pay with Paypal

You probably use Paypal already, as it's pretty much the largest, best known and most trusted payment system on the internet and owned by eBay. If you already have an account simply sign in when prompted. You'll be taken to the secure Paypal site where you can make your payment in the usual way. If you don't have an account you can also pay directly using a credit card - most types are accepted.

How do I pay with Google Checkout?

If you already have an account then just click on the Google Checkout button. If you don't then you just need to enter a few details and Google will sort everything out for you. This is a fast, easy and secure way to make your payment.

Can I pay by credit card?

Yes you can - we use Paypal or Google Checkout to process this (see above).

Do you accept payments by cheque or BACS?

We do, but only for bulk orders (10+). If this is your preferred method then please drop us a line along with a contact name, email, telephone number and postal address. We'll then send you a pro-forma invoice so you can complete the transaction.

While we make every effort to process these payments as quickly as possible, you should note that we're unable to send items until payment has been cleared. In practice this means that it may take several days for your order to be delivered if you choose this payment option.

Shipping

Where do you ship to?

At the moment we only ship to regions that support the PAL recording format that the DVD is recorded in, which includes the UK, Australia, Hong Kong and India amongst many others. To see if we can ship to your country please look at the PAL Country List. For overseas orders an additional shipping cost is incurred, although we endeavour to keep this to a minimum. For example, shipments to Australia, India or Hong Kong cost £7, with a 5 day delivery time. If you'd like to place an overseas order just let us know and we'll provide the correct payment details.

When will the NTSC version be available?

We will shortly be releasing an NTSC version specifically for North and South American audiences. If you wish to be notified when this is available please contact us.

What are your shipping costs?

Within the UK shipping costs are £1.99 covering postage and packaging. Your course is packaged in a protective cardboard wrapper to minimise the risk of damage to the disks or workbook.

What is the shipping time?

Your course is posted using Royal Mail standard delivery. Please allow 3-5 days for individual orders to be delivered.

How does your 30-day money back guarantee work?

In the unlikely event that you're unhappy with the course just return the complete set (Instructional DVD, workbook and relaxation CD) to us within 30 days of purchase and we'll make a full refund.

How do I return my product?

We expect the product to arrive without damage. However, in the unlikely event of your product being damaged in transit we are more than happy to send a replacement. In the first instance please contact us stating the nature of the damage and contact details so that a member of our team may contact you to arrange this.