The CABT Emetophobia Institute

Emetophobia is an intense, persistent fear of vomiting, including fear of vomiting yourself, seeing others vomit, or anything vomit-related. While it shares features with OCD, specific phobias, and health anxiety, emetophobia has unique characteristics that require specialized assessment and treatment. Many clinicians misdiagnose it or treat it as generalized anxiety, which is why specialized training is essential.

More common than most clinicians realize. Emetophobia affects approximately 7% of women and 2% of men at some point in their lives — yet most mental health professionals receive no training on it. Many emetophobes spend years in therapy without receiving effective treatment because their clinician lacks the specialized knowledge to treat it correctly.

At the Emetophobia Institute, we have the perfect class for you: our Foundational CBT/ERP Protocol for Emetophobia. This 4-hour introductory workshop is designed for any type of therapist (LPC, MFT, LCSW, PsyD, PhD, MD) who has little to no training or experience using exposure therapy techniques with their clients. You will learn how to harness CBT/ERP therapy to help your client overcome emetophobia. 

Familiarity with ERP and exposure-based therapies is helpful but not required for our foundational workshop. Our training is designed to meet clinicians where they are — whether you have extensive ERP experience or are newer to exposure-based work. The foundational workshop covers everything you need to begin treating emetophobia effectively.

Not exactly. While ERP is the gold-standard treatment, emetophobia requires a specialized approach that addresses the unique safety behaviors, avoidance patterns, and interoceptive triggers that drive it. Standard phobia protocols often miss key components of emetophobia treatment, which is why CABT developed dedicated foundational and advanced training specifically for this disorder.

Absolutely. Sign up for our Advanced Treatment Protocol for Emetophobia. This 4-hour advanced workshop is designed for therapists who have already been utilizing the powerful technique of exposure therapy and are looking to extend that skill to emetophobic clients. It is essential that therapists signing up for this course already have a working knowledge of emotional processing theory, inhibitory learning theory, and hands-on experience using exposure-based therapies. At the completion of this course, you will understand how to utilize advanced techniques for eradicating emetophobia.

Yes, and we recommend it. The foundational workshop provides the conceptual framework and core ERP techniques for emetophobia. The advanced workshop builds on that foundation with in-depth application of in vivo, imaginal, and interoceptive exposure techniques. Together they provide comprehensive training in the most effective, state-of-the-art emetophobia treatment available.

Our workshops are open to licensed mental health professionals at all levels, including LPCs, LCSWs, MFTs, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Pre-licensed clinicians working under supervision may also attend. The advanced workshop requires prior foundational knowledge of CBT and ERP, either through our foundational workshop or equivalent training.

Yes. Beyond our workshops, CABT offers individual and group consultation for mental health professionals who are actively treating emetophobe clients and want expert guidance. Consultation can be one-time or ongoing, virtual or in-person, and is tailored to your specific clinical needs. Learn more about consultation.