Brilliant! :-)

I definitely think CBT is a great tool for lots of people but for me it just didn't do it. I chased thoughts round like a demented chicken and then told myself I wasn't doing it right and wasn't good enough! Ha. Having a coach and doing Landmark has been much more powerful because you hit the issue right at the core, rather than sticking a plaster over it. I acknowledge that everyone finds their own way though. And it doesn't matter what that is - only that it works and people get to live lives they deserve xxx

Hi Debs- I agree with you - CBT is not everybody's cup of tea . Many of these therapies are very therapist dependent and there is no 'one size fits all' . The main thing is the Landmark Forum worked for you and ,in the final analysis ,that's all that matters.

I've heard one person speak very positively of the Landmark Forum and also read some less positive reviews. My impression is that the courses are very long days with few breaks, almost designed to 'break' the attendees. There are positive results from this process but I question the idea that the means justifies the end. I'd echo the caution for anyone who feels fragile. I would echo Debs' recommendation of coaching though - as a way of getting another perspective , when thoughts are stuck in negative. I'd recommend trying lots of things if you're stuck - medication, counselling, exercise, coaching, prayer, meditation, fresh air, alternative therapies - different things work for different people.

Totally agree. This worked for me but not in isolation. I meditate, exercise, eat well, see friends, do work that feeds my soul, spend time in nature, rest etc... It's a balance of lots of things xx

Hi Jul . Thank you for showing me how it is done . It is a pity that I have only seen your post after posting mine and I am not very diplomatic putting it mildly .Well rather than beating myself about it for the rest of the day I shall make a note and try to take a different approach in the future . Sorry Debs .

Hi g. Please please do not worry. I too had my concerns re. Landmark. Promise me you are OK? Debs seems very strong and will be able to deal with our comments. She may even have been expecting such reactions. So over to Debs! xx

wow ! I am having a real time conversation on moodscope for the first time. thank you Jul . I am fine ( my HP is looking after me ) wink wink . I have found more on LF. Secret seven The Landmark Forum's 'seven commandments' for being an extraordinary person: · Be Racket-Free: give up being right - even when you know you were. · Be Powerful: be straight in your communication and take what you get. · Be Courageous: acknowledge your fear (not necessarily get rid of it) and then act. · Be Peaceful: give up the interpretation that there's something wrong. · Be Charismatic: give up trying to get somewhere. Be entirely fulfilled in the present moment. · Be Enrolling: share your new possibilities in such a way that others are touched, moved and inspired. · Be Unreasonable: in expectations of yourself and others beyond what you would think they are capable of.

Interesting. As I hadn't heard of it before today, I am reluctant to judge. However from what I have read and when I see what it charges, I really think many Moodscopers ought to think long and hard about attending such a forum if they are considering it in order solely to address their depression, bi polar etc. I think Debs has benefitted more in her work sphere from what she says as she has made major changes in this part of her life and she does says Landmark is a course not designed for depression. I am sure Debs will allay our fears or give us some guidance as to its benefits or otherwise for the Moodscope community. Glad you are fine g! Thanks for replying, Jul xxx

Hey G! Debs is fine ;-)) At one point in time I would have crumbled and taken things personally but (thankfully) I've travelled a long way since then. I've heard brainwashing before and it's an interesting theory. Gladly I'm not that gullible ;-)) And I actually think my brain needed a good shower! It had been filled with too much twaddle from school, society, family... which all served to keep my stuck. Now I feel pretty liberated from all that so I say bring on the shampoo ;-)

Mary Wednesday, I am so glad that this course worked for you. I am not sure if it has changed in 20 years but I read a questionnaire from their own website that asked questions about people's mental health . It said if you had bipolar and other illnesses you are strongly advised against attending the course and if you take certain medication including the one I take. It also said that if you have a family member with a mental illness or taking medication you are advised against taking the course. I am not sure if you were asked such questions. I also think it excludes many people as it is expensive and one is encouraged to take more courses as you have and now days the courses become more expensive the more advanced they become. Thanks for giving us another positive experience but I would be excluded from attending.

I'm so happy to hear that Mary!! It sounds like you got so much out of it. I credit my life to the courses and I thank my lucky stars I found it. Leah - I would assess for yourself what kind of place you're in, it's really a case of being mentally ok enough to take on seeing yourself and your actions for what they are. I know a lot of people who have done the courses while depressed and/or on meds. It's a case of judging where you're at. And you can just do one course if you want, no need to do more. The price increase is incorrect btw - that is not the case and in fact they go down. Landmark doesn't exist to make money - all the money generated is used to fund setting up courses in countries that really need it. Parts of Africa, the Middle East etc. Hope this helps! xxx