I am in the minority here. I found my 6 sessions of CBT to be very helpful.
After medical diagnosis, I had CBT on the National Heath Service with a properly certified practitioner as part of a ME clinic in Nottingham, England. It was noted that I was particularly hard on myself, describing my self as pathetic and feeble. This is how I saw myself at the time.
Through discussion with the practitioner I was able to identify that I came from an acheivement oriented family which helped to explain why I was putting pressure on myself to continue to be productive.
The one to one meetings that I had turned the attitude around and I learned to praise myself for what I *can* do and for chosing to work with pacing etc to feel better and to improve my health.
I also was helped to work out an appointments diary for a weekly and longer basis, making sure that I gave myself the appropriate amount of rest and didn't overbook myself with activities. The rules I developed then have been adjusted as I become better, and can do more. \properly followed they keep me from doing anything more than have minor flares. I've only had one episode I could describe as a relapse.
I have used the tools I learned with the NHS over 3 years ago now, and have improved from about 30-35% on the scale that many doctors use to 65% plus. I'm now retired but am at college three half days a week and loving it.
The NHS ME clinic and the CBT helped me to stop doing harmful behaviours and having thoughts which countered my body's attempts to feel better. They gave me the tools to know what works for me and what doesn't and the times of day that I am better than othersdoing certain activities, thus helping me to preserve my hard earned energy.
Whilst the above was particulary helpful there was no on-going National Health Service support. That I got from Bruce Campbell's CFIDS Self Help site,
http://www.cfidsselfhelp.org and I participate in the classes and target groups consistently as they give me the support and tools to slowly improve my health. I need the support and participation with fello patients to keep me disciplined in my pacing and considering new attitudes and approaches.
There is now a new self-study set of classes by Bruce Campbell and Dr. Charles Lapp at
http://www.treatcfsfm.org/
This is almost identical to the above cited classes of Bruce Campbell, except there are no discussions or formal lessions. This may suit some of you better.
Suella