What is Health Psychology?

In other words, a health psychologist can support someone in developing a 'theory' to explain why they might be experiencing emotional and physical distress. Health psychology can improve someone's quality of life. 

Experience of Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, dizziness, or nausea, can feel mysterious in why they appear, or what is causing them. The reasons why one might experience physical symptoms cannot always be identified or explained through medical testing, which might leave someone feeling frustrated, isolated, and helpless. It is important to remember that the experience of physical sensation is real, even if there is no medical 'cause' for it. 

Long-Term Conditions

Living with a long-term condition (such as but not limited to asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, chronic fatigue or cancer) requires adjustments to daily living, which can be difficult. For example, living with a long-term condition might evoke some intense emotions and evoke questions around the condition, its symptoms, its impact, and its timeline. It is important for someone living with a long-term condition to be able to explore their feelings around what it is like for them. This can support healthy adjustment and management of their condition.

Interventions

Health psychology uses talking therapy to explore someone's feelings about their physical symptoms or their experience of living with a long-term condition. Emotional strategies are used to support healthy adjustment, and prompt any necessary change in behaviour. Health psychology is extensively researched, and has a large evidence base to inform us on how to help someone improve their quality of life.