"Exposure therapy".... anyone had it?

[Crunchymum]

Having CBT currently for anxiety and being referred elsewhere for my (increasing) emetophobia.

We talked a little about the next therapy and the words "exposure" and "incredibly uncomfortable" were used.

Is someone going to puke on me???

Anyone?

Exposure therapy is backed by a lot of research, it works really well for phobias. It gradually increases exposure to the thing which distresses you, in short bursts with periods in between where you are taught to tolerate your emotions and physical responses - so you might start by talking about vomit, pause, look at drawings of vomit, pause, look at photos of vomit, pause, see a video of vomit, pause... This is done over a period of weeks.

You will feel uncomfortable but your therapist won’t push you beyond the point you can cope. Don’t think about the final stages yet, that’s like looking at the syllabus for a final year of a degree when you’ve only just started GCSE! You also won’t be pushed beyond your goals - if you goal is just to be able to see vomit IRL without being overwhelmed then that’s as far as it will go. Good luck!

Following. I'm emetophobic too. It's bloody awful and takes over your life

Thank you @MajesticWol

That was very helpful

@mintchick I'm hoping its fruitful.