"Secondary Exposure Therapy"

[DaydreamingElsa]

So, I'm a very recently recovered emetophobe, but I recovered without the help of a therapist, and I want to share my strategy. I had it since I was five, and, as of this January, have been free of the fear for two years. Now, as many people observed, direct exposure therapy is ineffective because it can re-traumatize the person suffering. But the method I used wasn't as traumatic. Now, I've been doing this over the course of many years, and it may not work well for everyone, but I want to share it in case I can help.

So, basically, I picked a character that inspired me (in my case, it was Armbrust, a character from a lesser-known anime called Kiddy Grade, amongst others when I was younger.) Then, I imagined what they would do if they were sick or in any other situation I feared. I imagined them being afraid at first, like I was, and then slowly getting over it, and facing it with more bravery. Then, I imagined myself in that situation, and him helping me.

Perhaps, some of you could pick a character that inspires you, and see if you could do the same thing. It may help to just imagine it in your head, or write it down. Both helped me.

Again, I don't know if it will work for everyone, and it didn't desensitize me to the word v*, but it did help me get over the act itself.

- DaydreamingElsa

[Syrup]

So, I'm a very recently recovered emetophobe, but I recovered without the help of a therapist, and I want to share my strategy. I had it since I was five, and, as of this January, have been free of the fear for two years. Now, as many people observed, direct exposure therapy is ineffective because it can re-traumatize the person suffering. But the method I used wasn't as traumatic. Now, I've been doing this over the course of many years, and it may not work well for everyone, but I want to share it in case I can help.

So, basically, I picked a character that inspired me (in my case, it was Armbrust, a character from a lesser-known anime called Kiddy Grade, amongst others when I was younger.) Then, I imagined what they would do if they were sick or in any other situation I feared. I imagined them being afraid at first, like I was, and then slowly getting over it, and facing it with more bravery. Then, I imagined myself in that situation, and him helping me.

Perhaps, some of you could pick a character that inspires you, and see if you could do the same thing. It may help to just imagine it in your head, or write it down. Both helped me.

Again, I don't know if it will work for everyone, and it didn't desensitize me to the word v*, but it did help me get over the act itself.

- DaydreamingElsa

I think that this is awesome, Elsa. I keep photos of my late Grandmother around my house. I remember how she helped me as a child when I didn't feel well and how much she overcame in her lifetime, both encourage me to be brave. I do pretend that her spirit is with me when I'm anxious and I remember that a piece of her is always with me. These things do give me strength. Thanks for the motivation!

[sage]

That is so awesome that you were able to recover using this technique. And thanks for sharing it here!

The only thing I would dispute is the statement "direct exposure is ineffective..." Actually, it's the only thing that has been proven scientifically to actually work on this (or any) phobia. If you mean "direct exposure" such as making the patient vomit, then yes, that could re-traumatize them and no therapist who knows what s/he's doing would suggest that. But slowly and gently working to desensitize the patient to vomit is tried-and-true. The therapist should be the one to ensure there is no re-traumatization.

Again, thanks for sharing this though!

[KaydeeJayde]

I did exposure by way of visualisations. I never was afraid of myself vomiting, but by doing guided visualisations with my cognitive behavioural therapist it was possible for me to expose myself to my fears without actually having to be there coming face to face. It helped me on my road to recovery. Now I know how to deal when I come face to face with my fear because I know I can deal with it.

I really like your idea though, I guess because people idolise characters so much, that if they can see that they can deal with it (even if it's in a scenario they've devised themselves), people will know that they too can deal with it!

[DaydreamingElsa]

That is so awesome that you were able to recover using this technique. And thanks for sharing it here!

The only thing I would dispute is the statement "direct exposure is ineffective..." Actually, it's the only thing that has been proven scientifically to actually work on this (or any) phobia. If you mean "direct exposure" such as making the patient vomit, then yes, that could re-traumatize them and no therapist who knows what s/he's doing would suggest that. But slowly and gently working to desensitize the patient to vomit is tried-and-true. The therapist should be the one to ensure there is no re-traumatization.

Again, thanks for sharing this though!

Yes, I meant the latter. I think I read about some therapist suggesting that to a client in someone's memoir, and I guess I was thinking that was suggested more than it really is. Good to hear that it's not though! Thank you.

[gumdropper1]

Elsa, your story reminds me of someone whose story is posted on my web site: http://emetophobia.byethost15.com/ (I know you can't see links until you get to 10 posts.)

While nauseated on a train, Mark was cured when Dr. Who appeared to him in a dream and told him it was time to throw up. He woke up, threw up and reported being cured of his emetophobia.

Doug