What is Health Psychology, and How Can a Health Psychologist Help Me?
Health psychology is a recognised area of psychological practice in Australia and many developed countries. It focuses on understanding the complex interplay between psychological, behavioral, and social factors that influence health and illness.1 That being said, you don't need to have a chronic illness, terminal condition, or medical diagnosis like diabetes or cancer to benefit from seeing a health psychologist.
Health psychologists apply psychological science to promote health, prevent illness, and enhance overall well-being. This goes beyond treating mental health disorders—a health psychologist focuses on the intricate connection between physical health and mental well-being, helping you thrive as a whole person. In essence, it's about holistic wellness.2
Whether it's improving your appetite, staying active, regulating your sleep patterns, balancing indulgences, nurturing relationships, excelling in your studies, or advancing your career, Gordon, as a health psychologist, understands that these aspects matter to you. They shape who you are, directly impact your health and your quality of life. For instance, anxiety can influence multiple areas of life, from physical health to daily routines.3 By understanding how these domains interact, Gordon can help you align them to support your overall wellness—if you choose to explore this together.
How a Health Psychologist Can Help
Prevention
If you have a family history of medical conditions or risk factors, Gordon can work with you to make proactive lifestyle changes. With the right support, you can refine your habits, such as improving your diet, staying active, or managing stress, to help prevent/slow down the onset of health issues. Health psychology interventions can help prevent certain health conditions and promote overall well-being.4
Early Intervention
If you're noticing early signs of health challenges—like sleep disturbances, low energy, or stress that's starting to affect your daily life—Gordon can help you address these concerns before they escalate. Tackling small changes early can lead to significant improvements in your long-term health and well-being. Early psychological interventions can be effective in managing stress and preventing the development of more serious health issues.5
Tertiary Intervention
Psychological interventions can help improve on the management of chronic conditions and overall quality of life for people living with chronic conditions.6 For those living with chronic conditions, Gordon provides psychological support to help you manage your journey. Whether you're dealing with fatigue, pain, frustration, or uncertainty, Gordon is here to guide you in navigating these challenges. Through personalised consultations, you will be supported to focus on addressing what matters to you.
Footnotes:
Papies, E. K., Best, M., Gelibter, E., & Barsalou, L. W. (2024). The role of mental representations in health psychology: A systematic review and research agenda. Health Psychology Review, 18(1), 1-21.
Di Maio, S., Keller, J., Hohl, D. H., Schwarzer, R., & Knoll, N. (2024). Compendium of dyadic intervention techniques (DITs) to change health behaviours: a systematic review. Health Psychology Review, 18(1), 1-26.
Doyle, D. M., Molix, L., & Arrival, F. (2024). The health consequences of chronic social stress: A meta-analysis. Health Psychology Review, 18(1), 1-19.
Tapper, K. (2022). Mindful eating: What we know so far. Nutrition Bulletin, 47(2), 168-185.
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.).
Czajkowski, S. M., Powell, L. H., Adler, N., Naar-King, S., Reynolds, K. D., Hunter, C. M., ... & Charlson, M. E. (2015). From ideas to efficacy: The ORBIT model for developing behavioral treatments for chronic diseases. Health Psychology, 34(10), 971-982.