Emetophobia Manual 3-28: Free Yourself from the Fear of Vomit and Reclaim Your Life

by Ken Goodman

Emetophobia is one of the least known and most debilitating phobias. Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, this groundbreaking book provides the strategies for overcoming the fear of vomit and panic attacks in an easy to follow, step-by-step process. You cannot overcome fears simply by learning new information. You heal yourself by living new experiences. The Emetophobia Manual is more than a book. It’s an experiential program that includes dozens of transformative exercises as well as QR codes which link to videos you can view on your smartphone. With eye-opening metaphors, powerful tools, and inspiring anecdotes, The Emetophobia Manual motivates you to take the steps to free yourself from the fear of vomit. Otherwise, it’s like reading a cookbook in bed. In the end, you have nothing to show for it. If you fear tossing your cookies, this book contains the recipe for happiness.“If you allow this remarkable book to serve as your guide, you’ll be more successful than you ever imagined. It delivers tactics that are critical to your success.” Reid Wilson, Ph.D. Author of Stopping the Noise in Your Head “This manual is brain re-wiring, cognitive-behavioral therapy at its best!” Elizabeth DuPont Spencer, L.C.S.W. Author of The Anxiety Cure “This comprehensive manual exquisitely captures the incessant inner dialogue of people with this disabling condition, written by THE expert in the field. With the numerous QR codes which link to videos and photos, there is no other book like it.” Sally Winston Psy.D. Author of Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2021

Reviews

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve suffered from emetophobia since early childhood, but for most of my life, I was only triggered on the rare occasion when I or someone near me was ill. That didn’t feel like something that needed fixing. Recently though, for reasons unbeknownst to me, my triggers began expanding. I was always googling “how long is (insert food) good for after opening” when I had lived my first 30+ years of life not knowing or being concerned with this information. I also worry a lot about food being left out at room temp for too long, food not being cooked or handled properly, and many other things related to food safety. After seeing 2 therapists who had never heard of emetophobia and not feeling understood, I decided to try finding a book specifically about this phobia.

I’m not sure where my rating is gonna land yet. On the negative side, this is a very expensive paperback at $30, and while overall the book did make me feel seen and understood, a lot of the content and suggestions felt too silly and childish to take seriously.

But on the positive side, there are also a lot of helpful concepts and exposures mentioned that I had not thought of on my own, and will be implementing. This may sound obvious, but I didn’t realize until reading this book that I don’t just have a fear and intolerance of vomiting itself, I also have a low tolerance for nausea, disgust, uncertainty, and anxiety in general. I will be working on building my tolerance using some of the suggested exposures and will be happy to give the book 5 stars if I notice a significant improvement in my fear and intrusive thoughts.

[lucy♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love you ken.

[Magdalena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for therapists to utilize with clients who have a fear of vomiting.

[Alyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have struggled with this phobia since I could speak. I also have OCD and GAD. My whole life has been filled with panic and fear. This book has changed my life. Obviously just reading it won’t fix your brain but it is an amazing tool to have. I cried the second I started reading this book because I’ve never felt more seen and not alone. And you’ll never guess what happened while I was half way through this book. I woke up in the middle of the night with a stomach bug and needed to THROW UP! This was the first time in 17 years that I actually had to throw up. I don’t believe in God but the universe or whatever knew I was ready. There I was sitting on the toilet and I said wow I think this is it. I calmly got down to the floor and let my body do its thing. I felt so calm and not anxious or panicked. It just sucked!! I was so proud of myself I didn’t even wake up my partner. I felt on top of the world. I know I’m not “cured “ and I still have anxiety but I know I can handle it. I even told myself I can’t wait to do it again and that I hope I do it again soon so I don’t forget this feeling. I can’t believe I spent my whole life fearing that. It was just uncomfortable, not scary not terrifying not life threatening. Thank you Ken for this book and all the work you have done for this community. I look forward to continuing the exercises in this book. I feel free. I’m excited to travel, I’m excited to live my life. I’m excited to throw up.

[smellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been emetophobic for the majority of my life and I really want to take control and learn new ways and mindsets that can help me overcome this disorder that can be so debilitating.

It’s really interesting and has definitely provided a new mindset that i’ve locked in for and I will keep going until this phobia doesn’t rule my life the way it has done for so long - I’m not going to settle into the coping mechanisms I use to get through life, I’m going to flourish without them :)

Only gave it 4/5 purely because I haven’t had the time to really to put it all into practice, I’ll reread this in a year and I’m so excited to compare notes and change my review based on my experience with it.

The only other thing I would say that this book is written in a way that can be confusing based on how much it wants you to do quickly vs. taking months to build up too. Which makes sense given its a therapeutic course that you don’t /need/ to put down. I’ve decided just to start small and build my way at a pace that I find manageable (albeit uncomfortable at times!)

[Nerdy Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend reading in conjunction with a book about ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder). Both are linked. Having been through therapy in the past, there is a lot of stuff I already knew. I did like the image of the anxiety monster. That will certainly stay.

[Brooke Forrestall · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome book for people with emetophobia. helped me so much!

[Zoe Byron · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book does have very good tips on helping with emetophobia. It was a bit wordy at spots and I didn’t see the relevance.