Contents of It's not All in Your Head by Asmundson and Taylor
Contents of It's not All in Your Head by Asmundson and Taylor
Contents of It's not All in Your Head by Asmundson and Taylor
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e useful <strong>in</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>ical sett<strong>in</strong>gs where a limited number <strong>of</strong> sessions are available to clients. It<br />
provides ample <strong>in</strong>formation to reduce the symptoms <strong>of</strong> health anxiety. In-person sessions<br />
could be focused on assist<strong>in</strong>g clients with skills build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> practice <strong>and</strong> telephone<br />
check-<strong>in</strong> sessions could be provided for client assistance <strong>and</strong> motivation between<br />
sessions.<br />
Participants <strong>in</strong> this study reported they found the self-help treatment to be helpful<br />
<strong>and</strong> valued the learn<strong>in</strong>g experience. They experienced reduced symptoms even with<br />
limited therapist contact <strong>and</strong> many thought that the work was manageable. However,<br />
some participants had difficulty with the time constra<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>of</strong> the program <strong>and</strong> had trouble<br />
complet<strong>in</strong>g exercises without therapist guidance. Therefore, <strong>in</strong> a cl<strong>in</strong>ical sett<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
duration <strong>of</strong> treatment should be extended <strong>and</strong> sessions spaced out so that clients have<br />
enough time to read chapters <strong>and</strong> complete exercises. Important exercises such as<br />
relaxation tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>teroceptive exposure, <strong>and</strong> ERP should be practiced dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>-person<br />
sessions. This would ensure that clients are perform<strong>in</strong>g the exercises correctly, receiv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
motivational support, <strong>and</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g a good therapeutic alliance. Clients can be provided<br />
with a flexible timel<strong>in</strong>e for treatment so that they are <strong>not</strong> overwhelmed <strong>by</strong> the amount <strong>of</strong><br />
work (perhaps 4 - 5 months <strong>in</strong>stead <strong>of</strong> only 2 as provided <strong>in</strong> this study). Brief<br />
questionnaires, such as the SHAI <strong>and</strong> CES-D can be adm<strong>in</strong>istered to clients pre-, mid-,<br />
<strong>and</strong> post-treatment so that they can review their progress <strong>and</strong> stay motivated. A long<br />
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