Therapy for health anxiety Bristol

Professional therapy for health anxiety in Bristol and beyond

Health anxiety

It’s normal to worry about our health, but when these concerns become persistent and overwhelming, seeking therapy for health anxiety in Bristol can help. Health anxiety is characterised by a preoccupation with health-related fears, even when there is little or no medical evidence to support them. These worries often focus on serious, life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, HIV, or leukaemia.

For some individuals, this anxiety extends to a consuming fear of death. These concerns can become so overwhelming that a significant amount of time is spent seeking reassurance or checking for symptoms to confirm their health is not at risk. This might include repeatedly consulting medical professionals, researching symptoms, or performing self-checks.

Common symptoms of health anxiety

There are a variety of different symptoms related to health anxiety. The symptoms you display will relate to the particular worries you have. Here are some common behaviours that those suffering from health related worries may engage with:

a man wearing a facemask and anxious about his health

Body scanning for lumps, bumps, bruises, moles, changes to body exterior etc.

Regularly checking body temperature and/or blood pressure.

Checking for symptoms online.

a man holding his chest and worried about his health

Visiting the GP on a regular basis (it is not uncommon for people to feel that their GP is ‘fed up ‘with them seeking treatment).

Regularly asking for reassurance regarding your health from friends, family and professionals.

Caught in health worries and checking?

CBT that shifts checking and reassurance into confident coping. Appointments in Bristol and secure online support globally.

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Treatment for health anxiety

Research and clinical trials strongly support Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as an effective therapy for health anxiety in Bristol. This approach focuses on identifying the beliefs and behaviours that maintain your health-related worries and teaching techniques to help you overcome them.

For most individuals, a course of twelve to eighteen therapy hours is sufficient to regain control over their symptoms. However, for those with more severe health anxiety, a more intensive or extended treatment plan may be required.

At NOSA CBT in Bristol, we take the time to fully assess your unique needs and collaborate with you to create a treatment package tailored to your goals.

Our health anxiety therapy in Bristol and nationally

How does it work?

Make contact

Reach out via phone, email, or our website to discuss your concerns. We’ll gather some initial details about your health anxiety and how it’s affecting your life.

Initial consultation

Meet with a therapist to explore your specific worries and goals. This session helps us understand your unique needs and how we can provide the right therapy for your health anxiety.

Treatment recommendations

Following the consultation, you’ll receive a personalised letter outlining summary of problems identified and treatment recommendations.

Your decision

Take time to review the recommendations and decide whether to proceed with the proposed treatment plan at a pace that suits you.