CBT for Health Anxiety
CBT for Health Anxiety is one of the most effective ways of overcoming the emotional distress caused by this condition.
Health Anxiety is the constant worry that we experience when we believe that there is something wrong with our health and wellbeing.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy was developed by Aaron Beck in the 1960’s who recognised that people’s inner-thoughts were often more significant than the things that they said out loud during therapy sessions.
He called these inner-thoughts cognition and argued that the way that people think about their experiences links directly to the emotions that they feel.
In other words our emotional experiences are the outcomes of what we think and believe rather than being caused by external events.
These ideas form the central concept of CBT which states that:
The way people think determines the way that they feel.
In the case of Health Anxiety the emotions that we feel are the direct result of what we think or believe our experiences mean.
Common Health Anxiety Symptoms
Because health anxiety is primarily focused on physical health it often involves symptoms that involve monitoring and checking which may, at times, become obsessive in nature.
Your symptoms may include:
- Persistent feelings of general anxiety.
- A constant pre-occupation with your health.
- Frequent checking of body shape for any lumps, bumps or skin problems.
- Constantly seeking reassurance from friends, family or health professionals that you are not ill.
- Spending lots of time researching signs and symptoms on the internet.
- Avoid physical activity so as not to put a strain on your heart.
- Worrying about the idea of dying (Thanatophobia).
You may have some or all of these symptoms or you may have other symptoms that are not listed here.
How does CBT for Health Anxiety work?
Normally a programme of CBT for Health Anxiety takes place over a period of 10 to 20 weeks with an hour long session once per week.
Firstly, because the way you think about your day-to-day experiences is determined by your core beliefs, the early sessions of CBT for Health Anxiety involve exploring and measuring these beliefs.
Secondly, once you are able to uncover your core beliefs, your thoughts about certain experiences will make more sense.
Thirdly, by understanding how you have made sense of your experiences in the past you can then begin to make changes to your thoughts and beliefs in order to create new, and more useful, emotional outcomes.
CBT for Health Anxiety builds upon the 5 core CBT principles developed by Aaron Beck and are used extensively in our CORE Programme.
How many sessions of CBT will I need?
Whilst this is a difficult question to be precise about, most people will be able to overcome their Health Anxiety problems in around 10 sessions.
However, because CBT for Health Anxiety is always tailored to your own individual needs and circumstances, getting the outcome that you want may sometimes require more sessions.
If you have been suffering Health Anxiety problems for many years then in all likelihood, you can reasonably expect to take a bit longer to get where you want to be.
Our CBT for Health Anxiety programme is based on 10 sessions delivered over 10 weeks and uses an online learning platform for you to develop greater self-awareness and knowledge in the days between sessions.
How much does CBT for Health Anxiety cost?
Our CBT for Health Anxiety programme costs £799 which includes access to the online learning platform for a period of 16 weeks, 10 X 1 hour long sessions with Paul at the clinic in Wombourne or, if you prefer, via Zoom video sessions.
Paul is a post-graduate psychologist and holds both BSc. (Hons) and MSc. (Psych) degrees in applied psychology as well as a professional diploma in CBT.
He has been running Lee Psychology with Joan since 2009.
Find out more about CBT for Health Anxiety.
If you’d like to find out more about our CBT for Health Anxiety programme, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
We offer all prospective clients FREE initial consultations at the clinic (as well as online) so that you can find out more about our services as well as get the opportunity to discuss your Health Anxiety related problems before having to commit to any sessions with us.
