Hypnotherapy for Health Anxiety
Do you find yourself spending countless hours online, researching potential illnesses and questioning your health?
When a headache strikes, do you leap to the worst conclusion, fearing it could be a tumor instead of just being dehydrated? Do medical tests that confirm your well-being fail to ease your worries? If so, you might be experiencing health anxiety.
People with hypochondria often experience a preoccupation with normal bodily sensations or minor symptoms, misinterpreting them as severe medical issues. Being worried about your health is not the same as health anxiety!
This can lead to a cycle of constant worry about health, frequent doctor visits, and excessive health-related research. As a result, many find it difficult to distinguish between real illness and their health anxiety symptoms.
From an outside perspective, it might be easy to recognise this heightened state of fear as part of anxiety disorders. However, sufferers of this condition find it hard to distinguish between the two. This is where reassurance and professional help can make a difference, and where I can assist you!
Darren - Clinical Hypnotherapist
Qualifications & Experiences
- AIM Award Hypnotherapy & Counselling Skills
- Hypno – Gastric Band Registered Practitioner
- CPD Hypnotherapy Regression Masterclass
- Smoking Cessation Practitioner HSOH
- Anxiety CPD
- Depression CPD
- Hypno Anti-Depressant
darren@stophypnosis.co.uk
Book Your Health Anxiety Relief Packages
What is Health Anxiety?
Health anxiety is characterised by excessive worry about one’s health, often without substantial medical evidence to support these fears. Individuals may misinterpret benign symptoms as signs of serious illness, leading to a persistent cycle of distress. Despite repeated medical reassurances, those affected remain preoccupied with their health concerns, which can profoundly impact their daily lives.
Here are some signs to look out for:
- Constantly seeking health information.
- No actual symptoms but fear you may be sick.
- Read about an illness and then fear you have it.
- Fear still being ill after Doctor reassures you (after tests) you are fine.
Factors Contributing to Health Anxiety
Health anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder and various factors can contribute to the development of this condition. Individuals who have experienced serious illnesses themselves or within their families often develop heightened sensitivity to health-related concerns. Research indicates that personal experiences with illness can lead to increased vigilance about bodily sensations and a tendency to misinterpret benign symptoms as serious health threats.
- Traumatic experiences also play a critical role. Witnessing a loved one suffer from a severe illness or experiencing the sudden death of someone close can leave lasting emotional scars. These experiences may trigger a cycle of anxiety where individuals become overly focused on their health and fearful of similar outcomes.
- Genetic and environmental factors may predispose some individuals to anxiety disorders. A family history of anxiety can increase the likelihood of developing health anxiety, as can a high-stress environment where health is frequently discussed or where medical issues are prevalent
- Psychological factors such as perfectionism or a tendency to catastrophise also contribute to health anxiety. Individuals with these traits may be more likely to exaggerate health concerns or feel unable to cope with uncertainty about their health
£85.00
- Our comprehensive package begins with a thorough consultation followed by three personalised sessions
- Each 90-minute session dedicates at least 60 minutes to deep, targeted hypnosis, addressing panic and fostering profound transformation.
- Tailored strategies are crafted to address the root causes and effects of health anxiety, including distorted beliefs, ensuring a holistic approach to your healing.
- Stay connected with weekly progress updates and access recorded sessions for continuous reinforcement.
🔊 I also supply digital recordings of the session to listen to later, helping you to strengthen the insights you’ve gained.
Does Hypnotherapy Work for Health Anxiety?
Hypnotherapy has gained recognition for its efficacy in managing health anxiety, so yes, it does work! For example, Valentine et al. (2019) conducted a meta-analysis showing that hypnosis significantly reduces anxiety, outperforming 84% of control participants. It was also found to be more effective when combined with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – [Source]
Hypnotherapy sessions focus on empowering individuals with effective coping strategies tailored to their specific needs. This can include relaxation techniques, positive visualisation, and mindfulness practices that help individuals manage their thoughts and emotions during challenging moments. In many ways, this approach addresses not just something specific but can also help with broader illnesses or problems related to health anxiety.
Getting Started with Online Hypnotherapy
My online hypnotherapy sessions are specifically designed to provide a comfortable and effective therapeutic experience for those grappling with health anxiety and its associated symptoms. For many individuals dealing with this condition, the thought of venturing outside into potentially triggering environments can exacerbate their anxiety and compulsion.
By offering sessions online, I provide a safe and familiar setting where clients can participate from the comfort of their own homes. This approach eliminates the stress of travel and minimises external triggers, allowing individuals to focus on making changes in their healing journey. Online sessions also offer flexibility in scheduling, ensuring that clients can access support at times that suit their personal needs and routines.
Additionally, the privacy of conducting sessions remotely ensures that clients can discuss their concerns openly and confidentially. Whether you’re navigating constant health worries or seeking relief from debilitating anxiety, my online hypnotherapy sessions offer a convenient and supportive pathway to overcoming health anxiety and reclaiming a sense of calm and control in your life.