Best Mind Therapy · The Freedom Collection
More freedom.
Less fear of being sick.
Compassionate support for emetophobia, with online appointments throughout the UK.
When the fear of being sick influences what you eat, where you go or how you spend your time, everyday life can begin to feel restricted.
I'm Gary Smith, a psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist. I offer a supportive, individual approach to exploring your fear and discussing what you would like to be different.
Online across the UK · In-person in Swindon
Free initial consultation. No obligation to continue.
Understanding emetophobia
When the fear of being sick starts shaping everyday life
Emetophobia is a persistent fear associated with vomiting, which may include worries about feeling sick yourself, seeing someone else vomit, or being in situations where it could happen.
Food and eating
Checking dates repeatedly, avoiding certain foods or finding meals away from home particularly difficult.
Plans and travel
Feeling uneasy about transport, holidays, schools, busy places or unfamiliar environments.
Body sensations
Noticing every change in your stomach and finding that anxiety itself can intensify nausea or discomfort.
Reassurance and routines
Searching for certainty, asking others if they feel unwell or relying on routines to make the day feel safer.
Everyone's experience is different. You do not have to explain away your fear or feel embarrassed by how it affects you. If vomiting, nausea, eating difficulties or weight changes are affecting your physical health, seek medical advice as well.
How the fear can develop
It's not always about what is happening right now.
For some people, emetophobia follows a distressing experience of illness. Others may remember hearing frightening stories, witnessing somebody becoming unwell, or developing a strong sensitivity to feelings of nausea.
Sometimes there is no obvious starting point. What matters is how the fear affects life now and which ways of responding are becoming exhausting.
Anxiety can bring physical sensations, including a fluttering stomach or nausea. When those sensations are interpreted as danger, worry and repeated checking can create an uncomfortable cycle.
Common patterns to explore
Anticipation: worrying in advance about an uncertain possibility.
Monitoring: paying very close attention to stomach sensations or other people's health.
Avoidance: limiting activities, food choices or places to feel more in control.
Reassurance: repeatedly seeking certainty that something unwanted will not happen.
Recognising a pattern is not the same as blaming yourself for it. It can help guide a thoughtful conversation about your next steps.
An individual therapeutic conversation
Exploring an approach that's right for you
We begin by understanding your experiences and goals, then discussing which forms of support may be suitable.
Listening first
A confidential conversation about what feels difficult, without judgement or pressure to tell your story in a particular way.
Future-focused work
Solution Focused conversations about meaningful, realistic changes you would like to notice in everyday life.
Relaxation and imagery
Where appropriate, we can discuss guided relaxation, imagery or hypnotherapy as parts of the proposed work.
Review and choice
We review whether the approach remains suitable and discuss other options or referral if your needs call for them.
Important treatment information: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including appropriately planned exposure-based work, is an established treatment approach for specific phobias. Different therapies have different evidence bases. I will explain my own approach and its limitations during your consultation, rather than promise a cure or a particular result. You can also discuss NHS talking therapies with your GP or self-refer where available. NHS information about phobias.
UK-wide online appointments
You don't have to live near Swindon to get in touch.
I am based in Swindon, Wiltshire, and offer online consultations to people throughout the United Kingdom, subject to suitability and availability.
Whether you live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, your initial conversation can begin from a private space that works for you. You don't need to travel to my practice to ask about the support I offer.
If you prefer to meet face to face, in-person appointments are also available in Swindon by arrangement.
Enquire about online appointmentsWhat you need for an online session
A private space: somewhere you feel comfortable speaking openly.
A reliable connection: a suitable device and an internet connection for video appointments.
An initial discussion: we consider whether online working is appropriate for your circumstances.
Clear arrangements: appointment fees, confidentiality and practical details discussed before you proceed.
Online availability means UK-wide access to this practice; it does not mean there are physical Best Mind Therapy clinics in other cities.
The person behind the practice
Hello, I'm Gary.
I'm Gary Smith, a psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist based in Swindon. I offer individual appointments in person and online across the UK.
Asking for help about emetophobia may feel particularly difficult when you are used to keeping the fear private. My aim is to offer a thoughtful, respectful conversation about what matters to you, your questions and the options available.
I am also involved in training and supervising hypnotherapists, and value professional development, ethical decision-making and reflective practice.
Registration details should be checked before publication.
More about GaryAnswers before you book
It's natural to have questions.
These are some of the things people ask when considering support for emetophobia.
Do you offer emetophobia consultations across the UK?
Yes. I am based in Swindon and offer online appointments throughout the UK, subject to suitability and availability. In-person appointments are available in Swindon.
Does emetophobia mean I am afraid of vomiting myself or other people being sick?
It can involve either or both. Some people are also especially sensitive to nausea, certain environments, or uncertainty about whether somebody might become unwell.
Will I need to look at upsetting images or videos?
There is no requirement to view vomiting-related images or videos during the initial consultation. Any proposed technique should be discussed in advance and based on informed agreement. If exposure-based treatment is appropriate, specialist CBT support may be worth discussing.
Can I attend online from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
Yes, enquiries for online appointments are welcome from all four UK nations. We will discuss whether the format suits your circumstances.
How many appointments will I need?
This depends on your circumstances and the approach agreed. We will discuss likely arrangements, costs and review points. No particular number of sessions or outcome can be guaranteed.
What if my eating has become restricted?
If you are restricting food, losing weight, feeling persistently unwell or concerned about your physical health, please seek advice from your GP or an appropriate healthcare professional. You may need assessment or support beyond what this practice offers.
Is there a free consultation?
Yes. You can arrange a free initial consultation to ask questions, discuss suitability and find out about appointments. There is no obligation to proceed.
Where can I find prices and terms?
Please see the Best Mind Therapy fees page and client terms before deciding whether to book sessions. View fees.
For general information about phobias and recognised support options, see the NHS phobias guidance. If you need urgent mental health help, contact an appropriate urgent service; this website is not an emergency service.
Whenever you feel ready
A conversation can be your first step.
If the fear of being sick is affecting everyday life, you're welcome to arrange a free consultation and talk through your questions. Online appointments are available across the UK, with in-person appointments in Swindon.
Book a free consultationPlease avoid including detailed sensitive health information in an initial email.
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