How to find a therapist for health anxiety

[Peppermintsandincense]

Really suffering with health anxiety right now. I know I need to see someone but overwhelmed as to how to find the right person. Ideally I want someone who really specialises in this area. Have looked at online directories- lots mention HA, but amongst lots of other areas. Any recommendations?

Anxiety is anxiety, but sometimes it focusses more on a particular aspect of life - health, social, separation, etc. If someone works with anxiety they should be able to help you.

Nah, this is bollocks, haha.

You need someone who can see past “anxiety” and understand you and health anxiety.

Best way is to try people on, many have a free taster call. Or even have a couple sessions. If you don’t feel a connection or understanding then try someone else.

You want someone who is capable of adapting their practice to your needs too, not just giving out rote CBT exercises.

For example; one guy I saw gave a flow chart - “can I do something about it right now” y/n…..that’s bollocks because yes I can do something about everything now - it’s whether it’s logical to. Haha.

Best therapist I ever found, acknowledges that the world is dangerous, that some people think more than others, and that you need to find a way to soothe this type of brain within the world it exists in. Rather than just pretending you have a different brain and don’t think about stuff so deeply.

@Youthinkyoureuniqueyourejustastatistic I bow to your superior knowledge.

Try the BACP website. You can put in what you're looking for in the search function and make a shortlist then call some therapists for a chat. See who you click with and take it from there.

Thank you. I just think it's really helpful to find someone who has v specific experience of HA because I gather it can be a really tricky anxiety to get over.

I think I did this and then became slightly overwhelmed. However I need to just get on with it and try out a few I guess. It's very daunting.

Any BABCP accredited CBT therapist is trained to work with health anxiety - it's one of the core interventions we learn in the initial qualification. Most important thing after that is whether you like the therapist.

@Peppermintsandincense Hi, did you manage to find someone that specialises in health anxiety?