Health Anxiety

HEALTH ANXIETY

Known also as Hypochondria or simply as Health Anxiety, Illness Anxiety Disorder is marked by fear about health problems. While many people are concerned about their health, those with Health Anxiety have extreme concerns in the face of minor or no symptoms. What’s more, their worry and symptoms lead to distress and impair their lives. The anxiety can be about any health issue, be it cancer, heart disease, something lethal or or something degenerative.

People with Healthy Anxiety may respond to their worries in a number of ways. Some avoid doctors while others seek a lot of reassurance from health care workers. Many people will check their bodies for signs of illness. Others will perform endless google searches in order to feel less fearful. Still others think and analyze in the hope that they will feel sure about the status of their health.

THERAPY FOR HEALTH ANXIETY

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for Health Anxiety. This approach includes education about the disorder which includes what strengthens and weakens it. Looking at thoughts via Cognitive Restructuring and facing fears through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) are also part of CBT for Health Anxiety.

With Cognitive Restructuring, individuals learn to approach their thoughts with logic and reason. By accessing their rational minds, people learn to make choices based on the facts rather than their fears. Once people are able to access this more objective view, therapists guide those with Health Anxiety through ERP. In this process, people face their fears in order to increase their anxiety on purpose. While this may seem odd given that most people who come to treatment want less not more anxiety, this evidence-based treatment helps people to learn how to tolerate their feelings so that their emotions no longer have the same power over them. While many are scared at the idea of ERP, rest assured that this process is taken at each person’s pace. An ERP therapist will never force someone they are working with to take steps they are unwilling to take.

Mindfulness can be very helpful for those with Health Anxiety, too. Through mindfulness, individuals can learn to approach their thoughts and feelings with without judging them. This helps people to have a better relationship with these inner experiences.

INTERESTED IN THERAPY?

Are you or a loved one struggling with health anxiety and interested in therapy? Therapists at the Center for the Obsessive Mind specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anxiety Disorders. You can learn more about the treatments and services we provide here.

LOCATIONS

The Center for the Obsessive Mind offers

therapy in several states and internationally.

Learn more about where the staff practices, below.

Pastel skies and a pristine beach in Northern California, one of the areas where The Center for the Obsessive Mind's staff therapists work as an anxiety specialist.

CALIFORNIA

The Center for the Obsessive Mind’s staff therapists offer online therapy for health anxiety throughout California. Our Clients span from San Francisco down to Southern Orange County and San Diego. Whether you’re in Silicon Valley, Santa Barbara, Beverly Hills or Dana Point, the Center’s staff can support you in your recovery.

The red rock spires of Bryce Canyon in Utah, one of the states where Lauren offers counseling for health anxiety.

UTAH

Staff members at the Center for the Obsessive Mind offer treatment for health anxiety in the state of Utah. We provide teletherapy to different areas of the Beehive State: from Salt Lake City and its suburbs, like West Jordan, Syracuse, Highland and Riverton, to Park City and St. George.

Clear turquoise waters in the Keys, one of the places where Lauren offers online treatment for health anxiety in Florida.

FLORIDA

Therapists at the Center for the Obsessive Mind also offer therapy for health anxiety online in Florida. We see people from all corners of the Sunshine state. Whether you’re from Naples, Orlando, Miami, or Boca Raton, we can provide specialized counseling remotely in your area.

The placid, clear waters of Sand Harbor in Lake Tahoe, one part of Nevada where Lauren offers health anxiety therapy online.

NEVADA

Therapists at the Center for the Obsessive Mind also practice teletherapy in Nevada. So if you’re seeking help in Glenbrook, Incline Village, Reno or Las Vegas, we offer specialized treatment for health anxiety online across the Grand Canyon State.

The Seven Sisters sea cliffs in Sussex, England, one international locale where  The Center for the Obsessive Mind provides counseling.

INTERNATIONAL

In addition to all of the locations previously listed, the staff at the Center for the Obsessive Mind offer teletherapy for health anxiety to a number of countries internationally.

Cozy couch and computer: all you need for teletherapy and what your treatment with Lauren could look like.

ONLINE

Online therapy isn’t right for everyone. An assessment can determine if online therapy is appropriate for your needs. Reach out here to learn more. Check out this article from the American Psychological Association or read this article that our Director, Lauren Rosen, LMFT, contributed to.

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The Center for the Obsessive Mind call 949-991-2600

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Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is intended for informational and education purposes only and is not meant to be a replacement for therapy. If you are interested in treatment, you can email us and we will happily provide you with more information.