Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
The phobia of vomiting is called emetophobia. It’s an intense fear of throwing up, seeing someone else vomit, or even just feeling nauseous. People with emetophobia often go out of their way to avoid anything that might lead to vomiting—like certain foods, public places, or people who seem unwell.
It can really get in the way of everyday life, but the good news is there is help. Treatment for emetophobia usually involves Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), often with gradual exposure to the fear in a safe, supported way. With the right support, it’s absolutely manageable.
If you’re wondering whether you (or someone you know) might have emetophobia, here are some signs that often pop up:
Extreme anxiety at the thought of vomiting or seeing someone else vomit
Avoiding certain foods, restaurants, or places where you think you might get sick
Over-washing hands or obsessively checking use-by dates to avoid germs
Skipping social events, travel, or school/work for fear of getting sick
Feeling panicky if someone nearby looks unwell or mentions nausea
Reassurance-seeking, like constantly googling symptoms or asking others if you seem OK
Avoiding pregnancy due to fear of morning sickness (in some cases)
Emetophobia may affect up to 8% of people, but most go undiagnosed
Around 90% of people with emetophobia are women
Treatment for emetophobia, like CBT, is effective in up to 85% of cases
Many Australians with emetophobia don’t seek help, despite available support
Emetophobia—an intense, often debilitating fear of vomiting—can take a huge toll on someone’s daily life, but thankfully, research has shown that effective treatments do exist. Even though it’s not as widely talked about as other phobias, studies have been steadily growing, and they paint a hopeful picture: emetophobia is highly treatable with the right support.
One published case study focused on a woman who had lived with severe emetophobia for over 25 years. Her anxiety around vomiting affected nearly every aspect of her life, from what she ate and where she went, to how she connected with others. She received Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), a therapy most commonly used to help people recover from trauma.
After just four sessions of EMDR, she experienced a dramatic reduction in her phobic symptoms, and these improvements were still present three years later. The takeaway? For individuals whose fear of vomiting may be tied to a past traumatic event (such as being sick in public or witnessing someone else vomit), trauma-focused therapies like EMDR can be a powerful and lasting approach.
Despite promising results from trauma therapy, the most evidence-based treatment for emetophobia continues to be Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is a structured, goal-focused form of psychological therapy that helps people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that are fuelling their anxiety.
In a small clinical trial, people with emetophobia completed a 12-session CBT program and showed significant improvements—less avoidance, reduced anxiety, and more freedom in their day-to-day lives. Many were able to eat more normally again, go to social events without panicking, and stop avoiding places like restaurants or public transport. The positive changes didn’t just happen during therapy—they continued well after treatment ended.
Although emetophobia can feel overwhelming, the research makes it clear: there are effective, evidence-based options for treatment. Many people struggle with this phobia in silence for years, thinking there’s nothing that can be done—but that’s simply not true.
Whether you’re looking into CBT, EMDR, or a personalised treatment plan with a clinical psychologist, help for emetophobia is out there. And recovery doesn’t mean “just learning to cope”—it means actually reducing the fear so it no longer controls your life.
*Source: Treatment of a Woman With Emetophobia: A Trauma Focused Approach – National Library of Medicine | PubMed Central
Start small—like reading the word “vomit” or looking at a cartoon image—and build up gradually. Tiny steps help your brain get used to the fear.
Notice when you’re overestimating the risk of vomiting. Learning to challenge anxious thoughts is a key part of recovery.
Write down little wins, like eating a new food or going out despite feeling nervous. It’s a great reminder of your progress.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We offer evidence-based treatment for emetophobia, using approaches like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and Relaxation Techniques. Support is tailored to each individual, helping them gradually face their fear of vomiting, reduce anxiety, and feel more confident in everyday situations.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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