Fareham Counselling Centre · Hampshire

Counselling & CBT for Fear of Being Sick Hampshire

Calm, practical support for emetophobia — in Fareham or online across the UK.

When the fear of being sick takes over

Emetophobia is an intense fear of being sick, or of seeing someone else be sick. It can mean constantly scanning your body for any sign of nausea, avoiding places and foods, and planning your life around a fear that rarely switches off.

It is more common than most people realise, and it is very treatable. With a CBT therapist or hypnotherapist in Fareham, or online, you can calm the fear gently and step by step. Nobody will ever make you do anything you are not ready for.

Book a free, confidential call Or call free on 0800 970 4776
A woman smiling as she talks with her therapist in Fareham
You are not alone. Emetophobia is common, and very treatable.

Does any of this sound familiar?

Emetophobia can quietly shape everyday life. You might find yourself:

Avoiding eating out Checking dates and cooking food for longer Keeping away from anyone who seems unwell Avoiding travel, alcohol or busy places Washing hands or cleaning a lot Always noticing how your stomach feels Carrying mints or remedies just in case Worrying about children or others being ill Avoiding pregnancy or medication Panicking when you feel queasy

Emetophobia sometimes begins after a bad bout of illness, but it can also start with no clear reason at all. Either way, it can be helped.

A woman at a forest by the sea at sunrise, feeling calm

Anxiety is a wave

Avoiding what you fear brings quick relief, but it teaches your brain the fear was right. Compare the two paths below.

How anxiety changes over time when you avoid a fear, compared with staying with it Anxiety Time
When you avoid it

Quick relief, then it comes back

Leaving, checking or avoiding makes anxiety drop fast. But the fear is not given a chance to shrink, so it returns just as strong, or stronger, next time.

In therapy, you take tiny steps at your own pace, so each wave is small enough to ride. Over time, they get smaller and smaller.

How therapy can help with emetophobia

You do not need to know which approach is right. On a free call we will help you choose.

A man in a CBT session with his therapist

CBT

The approach with the most research behind it. Small, gentle steps to ease the fear and cut back checking and avoiding.

About CBT
 A relaxed, smiling woman in a therapy room

Hypnotherapy

Deep relaxation to calm your body's alarm and help you feel more at ease with the sensations you fear.

About hypnotherapy
 A man in a talking therapy session

EMDR

If the fear began after a frightening episode of illness, EMDR can help that memory lose its power.

About EMDR
 A man in an online therapy session at his computer

Online sessions

If travelling or waiting rooms feel hard right now, you can start from the comfort of home.

About online therapy

If fear has made your eating very limited, please speak to your GP as well. Our eating difficulties page may also help. Emetophobia can sit alongside health anxiety or OCD, and we can help with those too.

A calm room with bookcases and plants in golden light
★★★★★

“She has really helped me overcome my battle with anxiety and emetophobia that I have been suffering with for 15+ years! … If you are sceptical, take my word for it, and book in for a session, you will not regret it!”

Toby, Portsmouth
You set the paceAlways gentle, never forced
From £90CBT and hypnotherapy, 50 minutes
In person or onlineFareham, Hampshire, or by video
No referral neededContact us directly

Questions about emetophobia

A woman smiling at home, feeling relaxed
Will therapy make me be sick?
No. Nobody will ever try to make you sick. Therapy uses small, gentle steps, such as talking, reading words or imagining situations, and you always decide when you are ready for the next one.
Is emetophobia common?
Yes, more than most people think. Many people hide it for years because they feel embarrassed, so it can feel much lonelier than it really is.
Which therapy works best?
CBT with gradual, gentle exposure has the most research behind it. Hypnotherapy can help calm the body's alarm, and EMDR can help if the fear began after a particular event. Many people benefit from a combination.
Is it linked to OCD or health anxiety?
It can overlap, especially with checking, cleaning or worrying about illness. Your therapist will look at the whole picture and help with all of it. See our OCD and health anxiety pages.
Can children get help with a fear of being sick?
Yes. It often starts in childhood, and we work gently with children and teenagers aged 7 to 17. About children and young people.
Can I have sessions online?
Yes. CBT and hypnotherapy both work well by secure video, at the same price as in person.
How much does it cost?
CBT and hypnotherapy are £90 for a 50 minute session, and counselling starts from £72. Your first 15 minute call is free. See all our prices.
A tree at sunset under the first stars

Life can be bigger than this fear

Start with a free, confidential 15 minute call. You do not have to explain everything, just tell us what feels okay to share.

Book my free call Call free 0800 970 4776
Free, confidential, no obligation