Ep 55: How CBT can help with anxiety both on and off the stage: Speaker Lee Jackson (https://www.leejackson.org) interviews Dr Lisa Tyrer, a former GP and now CBT therapist specialising in anxiety and burnout. They talk about CBT and its impact on presentation anxiety.

In a recent conversation with Dr Lisa Tyra, an experienced cognitive behavioural therapist and former GP, we explored the impact of anxiety and burnout, especially in the demanding environments of work. Lisa shared her journey from being a GP to becoming a therapist, driven by her personal experiences with anxiety and burnout. Her insights shed light on the struggles faced by healthcare professionals and the therapeutic approaches that can help.

Understanding Burnout in Healthcare

Lisa emphasized the unique challenges that NHS staff encounter, stating, "It's a really challenging job, and there's a lot of different challenging aspects about it." She noted that many healthcare professionals, including doctors and dentists, often feel isolated and unable to seek help due to their roles. The service she provides offers a safe space for NHS staff to receive confidential treatment, which is crucial for their mental well-being.

The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT, as explained by Lisa, is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. "The key to CBT is that it's an evidence-based treatment," she said, highlighting its structured nature and proactive focus. Unlike traditional therapies that may dwell on the past, CBT aims to change future outcomes by addressing current thought patterns.

"It's about getting a different outcome and changing the way things work for the future."

Lisa’s approach to therapy is future-focused, encouraging clients to think beyond their past experiences and to actively engage in changing their behaviors and thoughts.

Overcoming Presentation Anxiety

A significant part of our conversation centered around presentation anxiety, a common issue faced by many professionals. Lisa explained how the brain's amygdala, which is responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response, can heighten feelings of anxiety when presenting. "Living in an amygdala situation is awful," she remarked, emphasizing the importance of understanding this response.

For those who struggle with public speaking, Lisa shared practical strategies to manage anxiety. The goal is to shift the focus from the amygdala to the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for reasoning and decision-making.

"When we activate that part of our brain, we're turning off the bits of our brain that do the other stuff."

Conclusion

Dr. Lisa Tyra’s insights offer valuable perspectives on managing anxiety, particularly in high-pressure environments like healthcare. Her experiences and strategies not only resonate with those in the NHS but also apply broadly to anyone facing anxiety in their professional lives.

To hear more about Lisa's journey and her strategies for overcoming anxiety, listen to the full episode.