Emetophobia

Emetophobia is a type of anxiety disorder where a person has an extreme fear of vomiting or seeing others vomit. It can be a really debilitating condition because it can affect a person's daily life and limit their activities, such as avoiding social situations or certain foods. It's important to note that emetophobia can be different for everyone, and some people may have more severe symptoms than others.

But the good news is that emetophobia can be treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. With the right treatment and support, many people with emetophobia are able to overcome their fears and live a more fulfilling life.

It's worth noting that emetophobia can often co-occur with other mental health conditions such as health anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In fact, some people with emetophobia may also struggle with contamination fears or compulsions related to avoiding sickness. These overlapping conditions can make treatment more complex, but a comprehensive approach that addresses all of the person's symptoms can be highly effective. So if you or someone you know is struggling with emetophobia or related conditions, seeking professional help from a qualified mental health provider can be a helpful step towards recovery.

TESTIMONIALS

EMDR for emetophobia

I have had emetophobia ever since I was a child. It completely hindered my life and I missed out on so many experiences, because of my fears of feeling nauseous and also being violently sick.  I felt very ashamed about my emetophobia and had put off getting help. I decided to try some EMDR, because it felt appropriate to me as it can help treat phobias. 

I was amazed with the difference after just 9 hours of EMDR. Early memories which underpinned my phobia have now become more manageable and I am now living my life without the fear of being sick and feeling nauseous. I have recently eaten food which I have always avoided. 

(Female, aged 56).

MCT, EMDR and DBR for emetophobia and health anxiety

I suffered from emetophobia and health anxiety from the age of 13 following a traumatic experience. This affected my social life and my IBS. My preoccupation with this controlled a lot of my thoughts and my behaviours.  Throughout the sessions with Sarah I have learned how to control my worry about this using metacognitive therapy (MCT). 

EMDR helped me to unpick the traumatic experience in a subtle way and it didn’t feel overwhelming. I had initially felt hesitant about doing it for fears that it would rip a plaster off and open up lots of unpleasant memories in the session, which didn’t actually happen. The DBR was fascinating, gentle and calming. It helped me to process things in a subtle way.  I want to say it felt “non-invasive” and unconscious. 

 Throughout the time I saw progress in my ability to travel, see friends and go out for meals. As I controlled my worry and managed my anxiety, my IBS symptoms eased. 

 (Female, aged 22, in person therapy, April 23)