Emetophobia Treatment
It’s estimated that up to 387 million people in the world suffer from emetophobia (fear of vomiting) - that’s 195 million more than those who suffer from the fear of flying and 118 million more than those who fear spiders.
We often describe emetophobia as one of the most common yet significantly under-discussed anxiety disorders, often causing substantial distress and impairment in daily life.
Looking to learn on your own? Check out our book Gag Reflections.
Signs & Symptoms of Emetophobia
Intense anxiety and panic associated with vomit
Excessive cleaning, checking, and overthinking
Constantly monitoring your body for the threat of vomiting
Avoiding important events (e.g., parties, concerts, planes, etc.), foods or drinks, or life events, especially pregnancy, due to fear of vomiting
Emetophobia affects approximately 7% percent of women and 2% of men at some point in their life.
YOUR ROADMAP TO WELLNESS
Our Emetophobia Treatment Approach
01 EXPOSURE AND RESPONSE PREVENTION (ERP)
ERP is a science-backed treatment used for emetophobia, where you and your therapist gradually face your fears without relying on safety behaviors to discover that your anxiety won’t last forever, your fears won’t come true, and you are stronger than your emetophobia
02 ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY
ACT is an evidence-based form of cognitive behavior therapy that targets learning to accept uncomfortable internal experiences, separating thoughts from truths, and helping emetophobics make decisions in line with their values instead of their fears.
03 DESENSITIZING BODILY SENSATIONS
Effective treatment includes interoceptive exposure, a cognitive-behavioral technique in which patients deliberately approach physical sensations—such as dizziness or nausea—that trigger anxiety but are objectively safe, helping them become less fearful of these sensations.
04 COLLABORATIVE CARE
We work collaboratively with each client to tailor treatment plans that meet their unique goals and pace by augmenting treatment with other evidence-based modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or Behavioral Activation (BA), ensuring compassionate and expert care throughout the recovery process.
Gag Reflections
Part memoir, part clinical history, Dara Lovitz offers a brutally honest account of her life as an emetophobe. Co-written with her therapist, Dr. David Yusko, the book unravels the mystery of emetophobia and explores the history of exposure therapy as a treatment approach.
What People Are Saying About Gag Reflections
"Literally in tears because it made me feel seen and made me hopeful for recovery. If you have EVER struggled with feeling alone with this phobia, check this book out. The honesty in Dara's disclosures, paired with Dr. Yusko's professional guidance, makes this the most unique book I've ever read."
— Gag Reflections Reader
“I loved this book! I found myself laughing out loud and tearing up. Thank you Dara Lovitz and Dr. Yusko!!"
— Gag Reflections Reader
"Yusko is an expert in the field of phobias and exposure therapy and anything he writes or contributes to, I’d buy. Dara is transparent, vulnerable, determined, and witty. Just buy the book."
— Gag Reflections Reader
Meet Our Emetophobia Therapists
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![Steven Tsao, PhD]()
Steven Tsao, PhD
POSITION: Co-Founder
MY APPROACH: I believe that meaningful change starts with understanding - first with understanding each patient's unique experience and second, partnering with that patient to deeply understand their…
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![David Yusko, PsyD]()
David Yusko, PsyD
POSITION: Co-Founder
MY APPROACH: I approach the process of therapy from two main perspectives – relational and behavioral. When I decide to begin working with an individual, I am making a decision…
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![Christina DiChiara, PsyD]()
Christina DiChiara, PsyD
POSITION: Director of Education
MY APPROACH: I am passionate about innovative, research-based therapy to relieve suffering and help people live the lives they want to be living. My intensive training, research experience, and clinical work…
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![Caroline Haimm, PhD]()
Caroline Haimm, PhD
POSITION: Staff Psychologist
MY APPROACH: I believe that change through therapy requires ongoing reflection, clarification of purpose, and sustained commitment from both client and therapist. My approach involves first helping clients…
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![Elana Kagan, PhD]()
Elana Kagan, PhD
POSITION: Staff Psychologist
MY APPROACH: As a psychologist specializing in evidence-based treatments for anxiety and OCD, my therapeutic approach centers on working collaboratively with patients of all ages. My treatment methodology primarily…
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![Shannon Murphy, PhD, PMH-C]()
Shannon Murphy, PhD, PMH-C
POSITION: Staff Psychologist
MY APPROACH: I strive to approach every individual with whom I work with genuine warmth, empathy, curiosity, and humor. I aim to create a nonjudgmental and collaborative environment, in which treatment is…
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![Catherine Schuler, PsyD]()
Catherine Schuler, PsyD
POSITION: Staff Psychologist
MY APPROACH: I believe that my role as a therapist is to help guide my patients towards living the fullest, most meaningful versions of their lives. Therapy with me is a collaborative process…
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![Josephine Shih, PhD]()
Josephine Shih, PhD
POSITION: Staff Psychologist
MY APPROACH: My therapeutic approach is built on the understanding that each person’s path to recovery is unique. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and exposure-based techniques to help patients address…
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![Ren Gibson, PhD]()
Ren Gibson, PhD
POSITION: Staff Psychologist
MY APPROACH: Fundamental to my therapeutic approach is collaboration, compassion, and creativity. I have a flexible style that allows my breadth of experience with various theoretical orientations…
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![Abigail Collins, PsyD]()
Abigail Collins, PsyD
POSITION: Postdoctoral Fellow
MY APPROACH: I bring warmth, authenticity, and compassion to the therapy room because I believe real connection is the foundation for meaningful change. My approach is rooted in evidence-based…
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![Auburn Stephenson, MA]()
Auburn Stephenson, MA
POSITION: Advanced Doctoral Student
MY APPROACH: Because no two individuals experience life the same way, I view my clients as experts of their own experiences and strive to tailor my approach to meet each person’s unique needs…
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![Lauren Taylor, MS]()
Lauren Taylor, MS
POSITION: Advanced Doctoral Student
MY APPROACH: My approach to therapy is rooted in cognitive-behavioral principles, with a special focus on exposure-based work for anxiety and related disorders…
Emetophobia Patient Resources
Explore the descriptions below to learn more about each video in the series.
Understand & Cure Your Emetophobia Video Series
“WHY AM I LIKE THIS?”
This video, led by an expert and a recovered emetophobe, explores the medical, neurological, and psychological reasons a person develops emetophobia.
“FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM PEOPLE WITH EMETOPHOBIA
This video reviews the most common questions from people suffering with emetophobia including “Can I get better?”, “Do I have to throw up to get better?”, and “How long does recovery take,” and more.
“HOW DO I GET BETTER"?”
This video reviews the core components of treating emetophobia with ERP, including starting exposure work and addressing safety behaviors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emetophobia Treatment
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Emetophobia is an intense fear of vomiting, seeing others vomit, or feeling nauseated. For many, it causes avoidance behaviors that interfere with daily life, from skipping meals to avoiding travel or social situations. It’s more than just a dislike of vomiting—it's a specific phobia that significantly reduces quality of life and often requires targeted treatment.
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Yes. With the right approach, emetophobia is highly treatable. Many people who once felt ruled by this fear have successfully recovered through evidence-based therapy. The Emetophobia Institute specializes in helping individuals overcome this condition using proven psychological techniques and a structured recovery program.
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We offer structured, step-by-step online programs based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Our approach is gentle, self-paced, specifically designed for emetophobia, and custom-generated for the individual client. You’ll also have access to expert guidance, community support, and tailored tools to help you move through fear and reclaim your life.
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Recovery time varies from person to person. Some individuals notice significant improvement in a matter of weeks, while others may take a few months or longer. The rate of improvement often depends on various factors including the person’s ability to do the “homework,” stay consistent with the therapy sessions, and advance in their journey at a speed that is both challenging and comfortable for them. Our program is flexible, allowing you to progress at a pace that feels manageable and sustainable.
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Absolutely. Your privacy is a top priority. All participation is confidential, and your information is never shared. You can go attend online classes and/or participate in clinical sessions discreetly from the comfort of your own home. In-person treatment is also available and we follow all ethical and professional standards of patient confidentiality.
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You’re not alone—many of our members came to us after years of unsuccessful therapy, medications, or self-help. Our program is specifically tailored to the unique features of emetophobia and offers a clear, structured path forward. For many, it’s the breakthrough they’ve been searching for.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Great job on making the decision to seek support. Contact us to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation.
From the Blog
Get the latest updates, tools, and guidance from our team.
USING MINDFULNESS TO MANAGE EMETOPHOBIC THOUGHTS
For individuals with emetophobia, anxious thoughts about nausea…
TIPS FOR INCORPORATING MINDFULNESS INTO DAILY LIFE
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with a non-judgemental…
COMMON MISTEPS WHEN STARTING ERP FOR EMETOPHOBIA
Starting ERP for emetophobia is a courageous step toward freedom…