To the untrained eye, the behavior of those with emetophobia may appear very similar to those with eating disorders. Outwardly, both may seem to have a strained relationship with food, their body, and certain physical bodily sensations; however, they are two separate and distinct conditions.
The ability to be ourselves with clients makes it so much easier to connect, to be real about how challenging treatment is, and enlist their help to ensure that whatever the exposure is, its something they can tolerate, trust in, and most importantly, begin to experience relief from their intrusive thoughts and the compulsions that may dominate their lives.
