Gag Reflections: Conquering a Fear of Vomit Through Exposure Therapy

Emetophobia--the disproportionate fear of vomiting or being in the presence of someone vomiting--affects millions of people yet is seldom discussed. Part-memoir, part clinical history, Dara Lovitz provides a brutally honest account of her life as an emetophobe. Written with her therapist, Dr. David Yusko, her story unravels the mystery of emetophobia.

Lovitz spent years trying traditional talk therapy and self-help books yet nothing seemed to reduce her anxiety. In desperation, she tried exposure therapy. With a therapist's guidance, she was able to overcome emetophobia. The history of exposure therapy for treating emetophobes is covered.

About the Author
Dara Lovitz is an adjunct professor of animal law, a publications manager for a continuing legal education provider, and co-founder of the nonprofit organization Peace Advocacy Network. She lives in the Philadelphia area. David Yusko, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder of the Center for Anxiety & Behavior Therapy, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He spent 10 years with the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the University of Pennsylvania developing cognitive behavioral treatments for anxiety disorders with a particular emphasis on exposure-based therapies.