If you’re a hypochondriac, chances are that you’ve thought about going to therapy at some point. Whether you struggle with hypochondriac thoughts every now and then, or your hypochondriac thoughts are extremely frequent, it’s always a good idea to seek out therapy. A qualified hypochondriac therapist will be able to help you make sense of your thoughts. They will also help you be able to reduce them in their frequency. They’ll do this through the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy and/or identifying negative thought patterns. Here are the qualities you should seek out in a hypochondriac therapist:
A hypochondriac therapist should be patient.
A hypochondriac therapist should be patient. Somebody who struggles with hypochondria is someone who is excessively anxious about their health – over and over and over again. When you are in treatment, you will likely talk about the same worries multiple sessions in a row. A good hypochondriac therapist understands that your brain is not able to just simply move past your worries. This is where patience comes in. Many people would get frustrated hearing somebody talk about the same issue or worry over and over again. A trained hypochondriac therapist will embrace your repetition as part of the healing process. They will ultimately be there for you throughout your healing journey.
A hypochondriac therapist should be able to handle stress and not get easily frazzled.
A hypochondriac therapist should be able to handle stress and not get easily frazzled – for a few reasons! First of all, you’re going to be talking to them about some serious stuff – illnesses, injuries, and other concerning ailments. Your hypochondriac therapist needs to be able to hold space for your worries and concerns. They need to be able to do this without becoming worried about their own health. They also need to be able to be a calming presence for you in the event that you start spiraling. If you have a hypochondriac therapist who becomes easily frazzled, they may not be able to effectively help you manage your spiraling. When you are in the initial process of looking for hypochondriac therapists, make sure that you book a consultation call with them to see how they respond to your initial stresses.
They should be able to listen to the hypochondriac’s concerns and not dismiss them outright.
A hypochondriac therapist should be able to listen to your concerns and not dismiss them outright, for a few reasons. First of all, even if you have been cleared by a doctor and have been told that you are medically healthy, that doesn’t mean your fears aren’t real. Your worries and concerns are real to you, and that is what your hypochondriac therapist should be focused on in your treatment together. Second of all, dismissing your concerns can be very damaging to the therapeutic process overall. If a hypochondriac therapist is dismissive of your concerns, they are not the right fit for you.
They should be able to help the hypochondriac focus on the positive and not dwell on the negative
Hypochondria is a condition where the person is constantly focused on the negative aspects of their health. When seeking out a hypochondriac therapist, you should be looking for somebody who will help you focus on the positive aspects of your health. This necessitates that your hypochondriac therapist has a robust understanding of the condition. They should also understand that the hypochondriac condition is not who the person is, but rather a condition that the person has.
Your therapist should be able to help you see the positive aspects of life. They should also help you focus on the good things that are happening in the present moment.
They should be able to help the hypochondriac develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Hypochondria is not an easy illness to have. Even while you are in the midst of seeking out treatment for it with a qualified hypochondriac therapist, you will still need to have healthy coping mechanisms for those moments when you have flare-ups. A good hypochondriac therapist should be able to help you identify several healthy coping mechanisms that you can utilize in between sessions. While there are several coping mechanisms that are generally thought to be good for mental health struggles, your hypochondriac therapist will be able to work with you directly to come up with a personalized set of coping mechanisms.
They should be knowledgeable about mental health and be able to provide resources if needed.
Beyond just knowing a lot about hypochondria, your hypochondriac therapist should be extremely knowledgeable about mental health overall. Sometimes, with hypochondria, there are overlapping mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, or post-partum depression. Your therapist should be knowledgeable about these conditions so they can see if any of them are exacerbating your hypochondria. They should also be able to tell if any of them have been exacerbated by your hypochondria. Your therapist should also be able to help make a complete diagnosis of your mental health conditions. This could help you so get an overall picture of your current mental health state. This will help you and your therapist to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan.
Your therapist should also be well-versed in the resources that are available to you. Some of these resources could include recommended reading or nearby support groups. These resources could also include coping mechanisms, and/or referrals to a psychiatrist in the event that medication is needed. If your therapist is not able to offer resources to compliment your treatment, they may not be the right fit.
A hypochondriac therapist should be supportive and understanding.
One of the most important qualities to seek out in a hypochondriac therapist is that they are supportive and understanding. As you probably know, hypochondria can be a very debilitating condition that can prevent someone from leading a normal life. It can also be a very isolating condition. Sufferers often feel like they are the only ones who understand what they are going through. A supportive and understanding therapist can provide much-needed relief for a hypochondriac, both from a treatment and a camaraderie perspective.
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If you are currently experiencing medical concerns, it’s important to talk to a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. HypochondriacHQ does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this website.
