Emetophobia & Phobia Therapy in Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack & Online in BC

Compassionate, evidence-based counselling for fear that feels overwhelming

Emetophobia is an intense fear related to vomiting — your own or others’. While it may be misunderstood or minimized by others, this phobia can be deeply distressing and take over your life. People with emetophobia often go to great lengths to avoid:

  • Public places or events

  • Certain foods or restaurants

  • Sick people or children

  • Travel or public transportation

  • Pregnancy or situations out of their control

These avoidance behaviours can limit your freedom, create social isolation, and increase anxiety over time. Like other specific phobias, emetophobia is treatable with the right approach.

Common Phobias I Work With

In addition to emetophobia, I also support clients struggling with:

  • Fear of flying

  • Fear of driving

  • Fear of heights or elevators

  • Fear of needles, blood, or medical settings

  • Social phobia

  • Other intense, specific fears that impact daily life

Therapy Approaches I Use for Emetophobia and Phobias

🔄 Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP is a gold-standard treatment for phobias and emetophobia. It involves gradually and safely exposing yourself to feared situations or sensations — with support — so your brain can learn: “This is uncomfortable, but I can handle it.”

🧠 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps identify unhelpful thought patterns and avoidance behaviours that keep phobias alive. Together, we’ll build healthier, more balanced responses to triggers and fears.

🌿 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT focuses on accepting uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, rather than fighting them. It helps you reconnect with what matters most to you, and take steps in that direction — even when fear shows up.

👁️ EMDR Therapy (when indicated)

If past traumatic or distressing experiences are linked to your phobia, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help process and release the emotional charge, reducing the intensity of fear and anxiety.

What to Expect in Therapy

  • We’ll begin by building a strong therapeutic relationship: safety, trust, and your sense of being understood are foundational.

    We’ll map out what triggers your fear and avoidance, how it shows up (thoughts, body sensations, behaviours), and what your goals are.

    Then, gradually, with support, we’ll work through exposures (if ERP is a fit), experiment with acceptance-based tools (from ACT), and explore any past experiences that may deepen or maintain fears (if EMDR is helpful).

    Along the way, we’ll also work on coping skills: grounding, calming the nervous system, mindfulness, distress tolerance.

    You don’t have to do this alone

Get Started with Emetophobia & Phobia Therapy in BC

Let’s work together to help fear take up less space in your life.

📍 In-person sessions near Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack
💻 Online counselling available throughout BC