Life beyond emetophobia
Gentle hypnotherapy and CBT for the fear of sickness, no pressure and nothing before you're ready, just steady progress at your pace.
Overcome the Fear of Being Sick with Hypnotherapy
A fear of being sick, known as emetophobia, can quietly take over your life, shaping what you eat, where you go, and who you see. Please know you are not alone, and it is treatable. With gentle, understanding support, you can loosen its grip and feel free again.
of people are affected by emetophobia, and it is thought to be more common in women than men. If this is you, you are far from alone, and there is real, effective help available.
Does any of this feel familiar?
Emetophobia can be deeply debilitating, touching many areas of life. You might recognise some of this, gently and without judgement.
A fear of being sick, seeing someone else be sick, or even the thought of it.
Avoiding restaurants or eating at others' homes in case of food poisoning.
Steering clear of hospitals or crowds where a stomach bug might be present.
Anxiety or panic, a racing heart, sweating, or shortness of breath.
Being very focused on germs, hygiene, or the expiry dates on food.
A strong dislike of feeling out of control.
If several of these ring true, that is not a diagnosis, and it is nothing to be alarmed by. It simply means talking to someone could really help.
Why it is called the silent phobia
Emetophobia is often called the silent phobia because it tends to be hidden. Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed of it, and worry others might think them weak, or judge them, so they keep it to themselves.
Whatever has held you back from speaking about it, please know this: you are not weak, you are not alone, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Many people share this fear, and with the right help, you can learn to manage it and live a full, happy life.
How we help you overcome emetophobia
There is no single right answer, so we match the approach to you, and often blend more than one. During your free consultation, we listen with care and guide you toward what will help most.
Hypnotherapy
Works gently with the subconscious to ease the fear response, calm anxiety, and reframe the thoughts that keep the phobia alive.
CBT
Helps you recognise and challenge the anxious thought patterns and avoidance behaviours, replacing them with calmer, more balanced responses.
Counselling
A safe, confidential space to understand your fear without judgement, and to feel truly heard as you work through it at your pace.
Practical tools
You learn calming and grounding techniques you can use in the moment, so anxious feelings no longer take over.
A clientThe move to London has gone well and I'm enjoying living with R. Thank you for your help and patience with me. I remember that first session where I could hardly talk, I was so worked up.
My sick phobia now no longer rules my life, and I have so much more time to think about other things, instead of constantly worrying about being sick. I can now hold a conversation about it without freaking out, and I am having significantly fewer panic attacks, down from five or six a day to only one last month. I found the technique really useful and still use it whenever I start to feel anxious.
I do have a confession to make. I bought you some chocolate coated coffee beans, hoping to convert you to liking coffee. However, I may have accidentally opened them and eaten the whole lot before I had the chance to send them. Very bad, I know. Thanks again for all your help.
In person in Fareham, or online
Counselling, CBT and hypnotherapy from the comfort of your own home, or in person at our Fareham practice. For a fear that can make leaving the house feel daunting, online sessions are often a gentle, reassuring place to begin.
Our online therapy is available to clients across the UK and beyond, delivered by fully trained UK therapists.
Find out more about online therapyAward-winning care from people who understand
Voted Hypnotherapy & Counselling Centre of the Year, with over two decades of experience helping people overcome their fears and reclaim their lives.
Fear of being sick FAQs
Can hypnotherapy really help my emetophobia?
Yes. Because emetophobia is driven by a deep-seated fear response, hypnotherapy, CBT and counselling can all help by easing that response, calming anxiety, and reframing the thoughts that keep the phobia going. We tailor everything to you, and results vary from person to person.
I feel embarrassed about it. Will I be judged?
Never. Emetophobia is called the silent phobia precisely because so many people feel embarrassed by it, yet it is far more common than most realise. Our therapists are warm and completely non-judgemental, and everything you share is confidential.
Will I have to make myself feel sick or face it head on?
No. Any steps are gradual, gentle, and always at your pace, in a calm and supported way. You are never pushed or forced to confront anything you are not ready for. The aim is to build your confidence slowly and kindly.
Which therapy is right for me?
You do not have to work that out alone. During your free consultation we listen to what you are experiencing, then guide you to the most suitable approach, or combination, for you and how you like to work.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies from person to person, depending on the nature of your fear. We will give you an honest, realistic idea at your free consultation so you know what to expect from the start.
Can I have sessions online?
Yes. You can be seen in person at our Fareham practice or online from anywhere in the UK. Many people with this fear find online sessions a comfortable, reassuring way to begin, from the safety of home.
You can be free of this fear
Book a free, no-obligation consultation and we will gently talk through how we can help you overcome the fear of being sick.
Prefer to talk first? Call 0800 970 4776 or email hello@oliptherapy.co.uk
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