Use it in CBT sessions, self-help work or supported homework to help adults with health anxiety identify avoided people, places, activities and ‘just in case’ safety behaviours, then begin turning them into graded exposure goals.
This Health Anxiety Avoidance and Safety Behaviours PDF helps people explore how avoiding feared situations, checking, reassurance seeking and other protective routines can keep health worries going. Written in clear CBT-based language, it looks at common triggers such as medical appointments, illness reminders, body sensations, conversations about death, exercise, sex, coffee, spicy food and busy public places. It also explains why short-term relief can sometimes lead to reduced confidence and a smaller, more restricted daily life.
The worksheet-style module gives structured space to notice personal patterns and turn them into manageable next steps. Practitioners can use it during assessment, formulation, therapy planning or between-session tasks, while individuals can use it as a guided self-help activity with appropriate support. It is particularly useful when preparing for graded exposure, behavioural experiments or a practical stepladder of feared but meaningful activities.
- identify avoided people, places, activities and topics
- record safety behaviours such as checking, carrying items or seeking reassurance
- choose one or two goals that matter in everyday life
- prepare for planned exposure tasks at a realistic pace
Use this printable resource in adult CBT sessions, wellbeing appointments, supervised homework or personal reflection to make avoidance easier to recognise and discuss. Download or print the PDF to support clear conversations, goal setting and gradual practice around health anxiety.
