Podcast : Why is imagination SO important when it comes to overcoming Emetophobia?

The Power of our Imagination

Michelle discusses the use of imagination in overcoming Emetophobia; If you imagine yourself not coping, despite really working hard and putting in effort to cope better, your imagination will win. You will continue to practise the unwanted experience because you’re imagining yourself struggling to handle it

It is easy to imagine a situation going wrong, and to practise an unhelpful safety seeking behaviour. Why? Because this is the habit you have been practising every single day whilst having emetophobia.

Throughout the programme, you will learn that to create a new, more helpful habits, you need to start imagining the positive outcomes! Picture doing that task, entering that room, making that cup of tea, in a more positive and helpful way, without the continuous restrictions!

Psychology has repetitively shown us the importance of this; however, it is important to understand that when using your imagination to create a positive and desired outcome, your mind is likely to wander because this is a completely new skill that you are practising!

Transforming your imagination takes patience and repetition, but over time you will gain an understanding of your new skills which will enable you to overcome your Emetophobia.

Coach Matt describes the power of the programme, and how it portrays the importance of simply recognising that we do have control over how we respond to information. When running on auto pilot, we imagine the worst-case scenario because its all we have already done! Once we understand the importance of picturing a more positive outcome, such as handling something slightly better, we can begin to transform our mindset and in turn, our responses!

This episode featured discussion between Michelle Johnson and Matt Christofaro