Health Anxiety (Illness Anxiety or Hypochondriasis)
What is Health Anxiety, Illness Anxiety, or Hypochondriasis?
We naturally think about our health and occasionally become preoccupied by a particular health concern. Health Anxiety occurs when worries about your health or specific illness become excessive.
It is common to look up physical symptoms online, regularly check your body, arrange multiple GP appointments, and even go to an Emergency Department in search of an answer or diagnosis. Some people may avoid medical professionals for fear of a diagnosis.
Treatment for Health Anxiety involves understanding your experience and the different ways you are dealing with beliefs that you are seriously ill. Together, we will find ways to overcome the problem so you can live your life without being overly preoccupied by worries about your health.
Explore the problem and identify the key factors involved.
❋ Assessment
❋ Treatment
Agree on key areas you want to focus on and make a plan for upcoming sessions and how we tackle them.
Engaging in treatment for Health Anxiety is will be difficult at times. We will approach the problem at an agreed pace but you will be encouraged to try doing things in different way that might be challenging.
❋ What can I expect?
I prioritise safety and respect—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process.