Fareham Counselling Centre · Hampshire

Counselling & CBT for Health Anxiety Hampshire

Practical support to quiet the checking, googling and worst-case thinking — in Fareham or online.

When every twinge feels like a warning

A headache, a skipped heartbeat, a new ache. For most people it passes. With health anxiety, it can set off hours of worry, checking and searching, and even a doctor's all-clear only helps for a while.

Health anxiety is common, and it is not "just being dramatic". The worry is real and exhausting. With a therapist in Fareham, or online, you can break the cycle of checking and reassurance, and learn to trust your body again.

Book a free 15 minute call Or call free on 0800 970 4776
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Your worry is real. And it can be calmed, without endless checking.

Does this sound like you?

Health anxiety can look different for everyone. You might find yourself:

Checking your body for changes Searching symptoms online Asking others for reassurance Seeing the doctor often, or avoiding it Not believing test results Avoiding programmes or news about illness Worrying about loved ones' health Noticing every sensation in your body Panic when you feel a symptom Fear of being sick
1A sensation

A twinge, ache or change you notice.

2A frightening thought

"What if it is something serious?"

3Checking

Searching, prodding or asking for reassurance.

4Brief relief

You feel better, for a little while.

5Doubt returns

"But what if they missed something?"

Each check keeps the loop turning. Therapy helps you step off it.

The search spiral

Looking up a symptom feels like it should help. See what often happens instead.

You start searching

Looking for reassurance

The first results are usually ordinary: tiredness, stress, not drinking enough. It feels like it might help.

The urge to check is strong, but it passes if you let it. Therapy helps you practise that, a little at a time.

How therapy can help with health anxiety

You do not need to know which approach is right. On a free call we will help you choose.

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CBT

The approach with the strongest evidence. Learn to live with uncertainty and gradually cut back checking.

About CBT
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Counselling

Explore what may lie underneath, such as a past illness, a loss or a frightening experience.

About counselling
 A relaxed, smiling woman in a therapy room

Hypnotherapy

Deep relaxation to calm your body's alarm and build trust in your body's natural resilience.

About hypnotherapy
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Mindfulness

Notice sensations and worries without reacting to every one, so they lose their urgency.

About mindfulness
This is not about ignoring your bodyIf you have a new, severe or lasting symptom, please see your GP. Therapy helps you respond to health worries calmly, without endless checking.
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★★★★★

“Sophie is a very caring and reflective person who has helped me so much over the past few months. I would 100% recommend her. She put me at ease from the start.”

Victoria, Portsmouth
From £72Counselling. CBT and hypnotherapy from £90
PracticalTools you can use straight away
In person or onlineFareham, Hampshire, or by video
No referral neededContact us directly

Questions about health anxiety

A woman smiling at home, feeling calm
Is health anxiety the same as hypochondria?
Yes, it is the modern name for what used to be called hypochondria. The new name reflects that it is a real and distressing form of anxiety, not "imagining things".
Will therapy tell me to stop seeing my doctor?
No. You should always see your GP about new, severe or lasting symptoms. Therapy helps with the worry and repeated checking in between, so you can trust medical advice when you get it.
How do I stop searching my symptoms online?
It is hard, because searching brings quick relief. Small steps help, such as delaying a search by ten minutes, then longer. Your therapist will help you build this up at a pace that feels manageable.
Can health anxiety start after an illness or loss?
Yes, it often does. A health scare, a serious illness, or losing someone close can all trigger it. Counselling can help with the experience underneath. See our bereavement page too.
Is it linked to OCD or panic attacks?
It can be. Checking and reassurance seeking are similar to OCD, and some people have panic attacks when they notice a symptom. Your therapist will look at the whole picture. See our OCD and panic attacks pages.
Can I have sessions online?
Yes. CBT, counselling and hypnotherapy all work well by secure video, at the same price as in person.
How much does it cost?
Counselling starts from £72 a session, and CBT and hypnotherapy from £90. Your first 15 minute call is free. See all our prices.
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Put the phone down, and pick up support

A free, confidential 15 minute call. Tell us what has been worrying you, and we will find the right therapist.

Book my free call Call free 0800 970 4776
Free, confidential, no obligation