Skip to main content

Cognitive Behavioral Model Of Fear Of Body Sensations

Fear of bodily sensations is present in a number of conditions, most notably panic disorder. The Cognitive Behavioral Model Of Fear Of Bodily Sensations describes the factors which perpetuate this difficulty

Download or send

Choose your language

Notice: The 'Fillable PDF' format has been retired. For resources with form elements, both the 'Professional' and 'Client' versions are now available as fillable PDFs by default.

Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Information handout only (PDF)

A copy of the information handout in PDF format.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Translation Template

Are you a qualified therapist who would like to help with our translation project?

Tags

Languages this resource is available in

  • Albanian
  • Chinese (Simplified)
  • Croatian
  • Dutch
  • English (GB)
  • English (US)
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Italian
  • Lithuanian
  • Norwegian
  • Portuguese (Brazilian)
  • Romanian
  • Serbian
  • Spanish (International)
  • Swedish
  • Turkish

Problems this resource might be used to address

Techniques associated with this resource

Mechanisms associated with this resource

Introduction & Theoretical Background

The fear of bodily sensations is a core component of conditions such as panic disorder, heath anxiety, or chronic subjective dizziness. This CBT formulation diagram illustrates possible maintaining factors leading-to- and consequences stemming-from- a fear of bodily sensations. Helpful treatment approached for this difficulty include: psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and interoceptive exposure exercises.

Get access to this resource

View all plans and pricing options

Get Access

Therapist Guidance

This is a Psychology Tools information handout. Suggested uses include:

  • Client handout - use as a psychoeducation resource
  • Discussion point - use to provoke a discussion and explore client beliefs
  • Therapist learning tool - improve your familiarity with a psychological construct
  • Teaching resource - use as a learning tool during training

Get access to this resource

View all plans and pricing options

Get Access

References And Further Reading

  • Chambless, D. L., & Gracely, E. J. (1989). Fear of fear and the anxiety disorders. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 13(1), 9-20.
  • Clark, D. M., Salkovskis, P. M., Öst, L. G., Breitholtz, E., Koehler, K. A., Westling, B. E., ... & Gelder, M. (1997). Misinterpretation of body sensations in panic disorder. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 65(2), 203.

Get access to this resource

View all plans and pricing options

Get Access