DISCLAIMER: This is an educational site for patients, caregivers, and medical providers. This information was accurate as of the date presented. Consult local medical authority or your healthcare provider for specific advice and referrals.
How Behavioral Therapy Can Help Treat Chronic Dizziness
Chronic dizziness can be caused by a condition called Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness, or 3PD. 3PD is not a psychological condition. 3PD is an inner ear disorder that needs specialized vestibular or inner ear physical therapy. However, studies show that these therapies are most effective when combined with medication and behavioral therapy.
How Can Behavioral Therapy Help My Dizziness?
There are many different types of counseling. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is the specific type of counseling that research has found can help you heal chronic dizziness. CBT works by helping you to adjust how you act, think, and feel. These behavior changes can help you:
- Learn new ways to do the activities you did before.
- Identify thoughts and behaviors that might make you avoid trying things that are needed to get better.
- Understand and manage fear or other emotions.
- Reduce worst-case thinking.
- Create more balanced thoughts.
- Improve self-worth and control.
- Provide a safe space for feeling.
- Increase your toughness for tough battles.
How Can I Find a Therapist to Help with My Dizziness?
Taking time to find the right therapist is important. When you call to schedule a consultation, share your:
- Need for support in managing a long-term medical condition.
- Struggle with dizziness and how it affects your life. This might include:
- Frustration and stress.
- Changes in your activities.
- Anxiety, worry, or fear.
When you contact your insurance company, ask for the following:
- A list of covered (in-network) behavioral health therapists.
- An explanation of your behavioral health therapist coverage benefits.
- An estimate of cost and how much you will need to pay.
Other ways to find a therapist:
- Visit www.psychologytoday.com. This website can sort by:
- Zip code
- Insurance
- Type of therapy (CBT)
- Conditions to treat
- Explore numerous online programs available, such as the following:
- Rooted Behavioral Education (https://courses.rootedbehavioraleducation.com/courses/committingtobalance)
- The Steady Coach (thesteadycoach.com)
- Juva for Migraines (This is an iPhone app.)
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© 10 February 2023 University of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare