Emetophobia, Vomit Fears
Healing from Emetophobia (Fear of Vomiting)
by Jenn Lowe, M.A., LCMHC, LPC, RPT-S
Emetophobia, the intense fear of vomiting, can take over your life. It’s more than just feeling grossed out — it’s overwhelming and debilitating. You might avoid restaurants, travel, social events, pregnancy, or even relationships. This fear can make it hard to work, eat comfortably, or do the things you love.
Some people fear vomiting themselves, while others panic when someone nearby feels sick. For many, emetophobia leads to physical symptoms, panic attacks, obsessive rituals, and emotional isolation.
If this sounds familiar, I want you to know that healing is possible.
A Compassionate, Evidence-Based Approach
I work with women, children, and teens who struggle with emetophobia. My approach is trauma-informed and compassionate, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — the gold-standard, evidence-based treatments for phobias and anxiety disorders.
You’ll never be pushed into anything before you’re ready. Together, we’ll build trust, safety, and a step-by-step plan to reduce anxiety and help you regain control of your life. Exposure work is gentle and gradual, allowing you to face fears safely at your own pace.
Hope and Healing
Treatment isn’t about “just getting over it.” It’s about being heard, understood, and supported while learning new ways to respond to fear. Whether you’ve struggled for months or decades, recovery is possible — and you don’t have to face it alone.
If you’re ready to start your journey toward freedom from emetophobia, I offer in-person therapy in Jackson, Michigan, and telehealth services for clients in North Carolina.
Here is a presentation I made about emetophobia:
