Cara
CBT is like climbing a mountain. At first it seems the foothills are even far away. And once you start it seems so big you can never do it. But once you start the actual climb things get clearer and you can stop often to rest. You start to notice things from a different point of view. As you get to the top there is less to change and you can enjoy yourself more. Once you are at the top all you have to do is make sure you don't fall off. And you can explore without fear.
The best way to do it is to just do it, one foot in front of the other. No thinking that you can't do it because you can. And don't look for changes because if you do you will compare and slide back to how you were. The past is the past, don't let it colour the future. Changes are subtle and happen over time but one day you realize you are less anxious and the triggers are less effective and it scares you because this is really a foreign feeling to be without anxiety. Don't even think about it, don't let it have power again, just enjoy the feeling of freedom.
For some CBT is like launching a boat in heavy surf. They go back and forth till they finally break through to calmer water and can just ride up and down without having to work. They can enjoy the ups and downs only having to row once in a while to stay off the beach. It is the same water and the same motion just not so harsh.
If you want you can pick your own metaphor to keep track of where you are.
The goal is never to stop other than to rest till you are where you want to be.
The only other option is medication and that may work but your mountain will be wrapped in clouds and your ocean in fog. For some it is the only answer but if they add CBT it can remove the clouds and lift the fog. Unfortunately too many just settle for the medication. Half a life is better than no life I guess. Me, I want a whole life.
Davit