Podcast : No Coach, No Problem: Sarah’s Solo Journey Through the Emetophobia-Free Programme

Sarah explains that after vomiting in public she became ‘obsessed’ with what was happening within her body. Sarah was continuously body checking, obsessing over her experiences and feelings and began building incredibly unhelpful beliefs around what food could cause sickness.

Sarah began believed that being sick was shameful, embarrassing and a completely terrifying, despite understanding that it was completely out of her control.

Sarah believed that if she wasn’t in control of all aspects of her life, she would be sick. Understandably, this became extremely exhausting, and Sarah was no longer living, she was simply surviving.

A missed family trip to Prague was the catalyst for Sarah recognising that something had to change and taking steps to overcoming her Emetophobia. Sarah made the common mistake of joining a group online for Emetophobia sufferers. She quickly learned that this was unhelpful as it simply validated her experience and failed to allow her to challenge her unhelpful perspective.

After discovering the Emetophobia-Free programme, she embarked upon the journey to Emetophobia-Free without the support of a coach. Sarah expresses the importance behind following the actions within the programme, as well as applying yourself once the 8 weeks are complete, in order to reprocess what has been learned! In Sarah’s words ‘don’t strive for perfection, because this is impossible’. During those moments of weakness, see it as opportunities to apply what has been learned. Coping skills are the gift that the programme provides you!'

Michelle and Sarah discuss the fact that progress often doesn't appear linear, and perfection is unnecessary. Patience, consistency and having an open mind is the key to success!