What is emetophobia? Understanding the Fear of Vomiting & How CBT Can Help

Discover what emetophobia (fear of vomiting) is, why it persists, and how CBT and ACT-based therapy can help you manage anxiety and reclaim your life.

Emetophobia is the intense fear of vomiting — either being sick yourself or seeing or hearing someone else vomit. It’s a surprisingly common but often misunderstood anxiety problem. People with emetophobia might go to great lengths to avoid situations that feel risky: eating certain foods, travelling, social events, alcohol, pregnancy, or even being around children or anyone who looks unwell.

Why does it persist?

This fear often develops after a difficult experience of vomiting or witnessing someone else be sick, especially in childhood. Over time, the mind starts to connect nausea, certain foods, or public places with danger. Even harmless bodily sensations like bloating or mild nausea can trigger alarm. Avoidance and safety behaviours — such as checking use-by dates, carrying medication, or constantly scanning for illness — bring short-term relief but strengthen the cycle of fear.

How CBT can help

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for emetophobia focuses on breaking this cycle. You’ll learn to understand how thoughts, feelings, and avoidance patterns maintain anxiety — and use gradual exposure and behavioural experiments to reclaim freedom.

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) adds another layer by helping you make space for uncomfortable sensations and thoughts, rather than fighting them, while staying focused on what matters most in your life.

Taking the first step

If you recognise yourself in this, please know that recovery is absolutely possible.👉 If you’d like help overcoming emetophobia, I offer CBT and ACT-based approaches; get in touch to book a consultation on jackyadams04@yahoo.co.uk or 07896 953003. I aim to get back to everyone within 48 hours.