Lady overcomes her health anxiety with a course of CBT at Tranceform
I first contacted Paul in May 2012, as I was due to go on holiday and have a fear of birds, so I wanted to try hypnotherapy to help with my fear.
At the same time I was suffering anxiety about my health.
Before my appointment with Paul I had seem my doctor about health worries and he had suggested counselling as he thought it was anxiety that was giving me the health issues.
On my first meeting with Paul, I found him to be very easy to talk to and cry to (as i did often in the first few weeks).
I explained that although I had originally booked for hypnotherapy regarding birds, I told him everything else i was feeling and worried over and what my doctor had said.
We chatted and Paul recommended the Thrive programme (CBT programme).
I decided to give it a go.
I read two chapters per week of the book and we discussed these at the next appointments and my answers to any of the questions.
I must say after the first three weeks and still feeling anxious I was a bit down hearted but i explained all this to Paul.
I then went on holiday and was totally relaxed, no health worries and even managed to sit eating outdoors when a bird landed by me.
I saw Paul on my return and explained that Id been totally relaxed on holiday but anxious when got home, Paul explained that I should take the positives from it and that I should be able to see that when I’m relaxed I am fine and therefore it is all about my style of thinking.
I completed the course and went on my way.
I was much more relaxed and had lots more self confidence.
It has now been about a month since my course finished. I am most definitely more confident, not worried about what I think others think of me.
I still get anxious at times, but am doing my best to remember all i have learnt and to go back to reading the thrive book to help myself and not let things get me down like before.
Paul is very easy to talk to, witty, and doesn’t judge, I would recommend this thrive course.
Thank you Paul
Mrs C
Talking About Health Anxiety with Family & Friends
Health anxiety can be a lonely experience. Many people keep it to themselves, worried they’ll be judged or dismissed. Others talk about it constantly, unintentionally turning friends and family into “reassurance machines.”
The goal isn’t to stay silent or to share every worry — it’s to have helpful conversations that support your recovery. Here’s how.
Breaking the Reassurance Cycle in Health Anxiety
When you’re feeling anxious about your health, reassurance feels like the most natural thing to seek. You might ask a partner to check your pulse, call your GP for the third time this month, or text a friend:
“Do you think this is serious?”
And in the moment, it works — you feel calmer.
Google Doctor & Health Anxiety
When you notice a new sensation in your body — a twinge, a rash, a strange heartbeat — it’s tempting to grab your phone and ask Google Doctor what’s wrong.
And in a way, it feels responsible: you’re gathering information, you’re trying to protect yourself.
But if you struggle with health anxiety, this habit can actually keep you stuck — or make things worse. Here’s why, and what you can do differently.