Ms J solves her fear of being sick with CBT at Tranceform Psychology

I first contacted Paul as I suffered from a number of things – which were really affecting my life.

Low self esteem, social anxiety, no confidence, panic attacks but most of all Emetophobia (the Fear of Being Sick).

All of the above effected my life in a big way.

I wouldn’t eat out unless completely unavoidable, I wouldn’t travel if I wasn’t the driver, I wouldn’t go out on my own or with friends except for lunch break.

I wouldn’t eat new food, I would only trust 2 people to cook for me (my mom and my partners mom) I didn’t go on holiday, I wouldn’t speak in front/to people I didn’t know well face to face.

I would panic to the point where we would nearly have to call an ambulance if I felt poorly, I wouldn’t stay in the house on my own, be around anyone with a bug or who had been in contact with someone who had been poorly and as for babies – that was a no go!… The list could go on forever.

Paul suggested a course in Tranceformental CBT.

With Paul and at home, I worked through my course book completing all exercises and talking through my issues at weekly sessions.

Since I have completed the course – now 8 weeks ago I have improved a lot.

I have completed 2 presentations with work one where my boss drove me to Wycombe and one in my office. Both in front of around 15 people. I didn’t get embarrassed or panic when I felt sick with nerves.

I have been to Leeds for a supplier meeting.

I have been with my Nan through her fight with cancer – even through the sickness!

I have sat with my sister during her morning sickness and my friends children when they had the dreaded winter sickness bug!

I went to a charity comedy night in a packed pub been to the cinema with my partner and Christmas shopping to Merry Hill 3 times (once on my own!).

Not once panicking that I couldn’t see the door.

I have even been promoted at work and now run a small team.

I let my partner cook tea and have even started to eat a wider variety of food.

I stay on my own at home when my partner does the night shift and I haven’t had a panic attack in over 3 months.

I have dealt with my own sickness – not being sick but feeling sick.

I have come to learn that my emetophobia is an obsession and by learning new ways of thinking I can overcome it.

I am still not keen on the thought of being sick but I no longer go into complete melt down. I get my hot water bottle, put the TV on and distract myself.

We have even been talking about having children in the new year!

I never thought I would of got this far and if it had not been for the help and support I got from both family, friends and Paul I don’t think I would be where I am now.

Paul makes talking through your problems easy.

He does not judge or call you stupid, he listens and helps you manage your thoughts/beliefs/fears better.

The course was definitely a good choice for me.

I still have things to change and develop and I still work from my book at home but I am getting there – my life has definitely improved for the better.

Ms J