Specialized Support for Emetophobia & OCD

Helping you live beyond the fear

Welcome to an attainable Path to Emotional Well-beinG

Kaitlyn Peters – guiding you toward healing and growth

Kaitlyn believes healing happens at your own pace. She guides clients toward self-discovery, encouraging clients to mindfully examine their thoughts, experience emotions openly, and embrace uncertainty with confidence.

Whether you’re seeking relief from intrusive thoughts, social anxiety, or phobia-related distress, Kaitlyn is committed to helping you navigate life’s challenges and move toward lasting change.

Areas of Focus

“Fulfillment does not mean our difficult emotions disappear; it means we change our relationship with them.”
— Russ Harris

Emetophobia

benefits of therapy for treating emetophobia

Emetophobia is often misunderstood, and effective treatment can be hard to find.

I specialize in using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—proven approaches that help reduce anxiety, build tolerance for discomfort, and create lasting change. Through our work together, you will:

  • Understand Your Fear – Learn what drives emetophobia and how it affects your thoughts and behaviors.

  • Develop Healthy Coping Strategies – Challenge avoidance and safety behaviors that reinforce anxiety.

  • Build Tolerance for Uncertainty – Gain confidence in facing the unknown and letting go of rigid control.

  • Reclaim Your Life – Step out of fear’s shadow and start engaging in life with freedom and ease.

Specific Phobias Subtypes

Specific phobias fall into four categories:

  1. Natural/environmental phobias, such as thunder, lightening, water, heights, and/or natural disasters.

  2. Animal phobias, such as fears of dogs, birds, snakes, and insects.

  3. Situational phobias, such as flying or going to the doctor/dentist.

  4. Bodily-based phobias, such as blood, needles, and vomiting.

Learn more on OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects those who struggle with repetitive, intrusive thoughts that are followed by compulsive behaviors.

Individuals get stuck in the ‘OCD Cycle’ when completing rituals or compulsions in an attempt to counteract intrusive thoughts. This cycle is reinforced by the completion of compulsions, which then maintains and/or strengthens the OCD cycle.

MY PROCESS TO GUIDE AND HELP YOU

I utilize a collaboration of evidence-based practices to treat OCD/OC-Spectrums Disorders.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is widely known as the “gold standard” treatment, allowing individuals to gradually face intrusive thoughts while refraining from engaging in compulsions.

Additionally, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is implemented, which involves disconnecting from anxious thoughts and reconnecting to your values— what really matters to you.

Anxiety Disorders

Types of ANxiety

Anxiety presents in a variety of ways. I treat the following anxiety disorders:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder

  • Social Anxiety

  • Health Anxiety

  • Panic Disorder

Your Journey to Inner Transformation

My Collaborative Approach

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a highly effective, evidence-based approach that examines the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

By identifying and challenging cognitive distortions, individuals can develop healthier thinking patterns and more balanced responses to distressing thoughts.

This structured process empowers individuals to break unhelpful cycles, build resilience, and engage in more adaptive behaviors.

Exposure and Response prevention (ERP)

ERP is the leading evidence-based treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and specific phobias.

This structured approach involves gradually exposing individuals to feared stimuli while preventing the accompanying compulsive or avoidance behaviors.

Over time, this process helps reduce anxiety and fear, allowing individuals to build tolerance and regain control. Research consistently supports ERP as the most effective intervention for long-term symptom relief.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is a mindfulness-based therapy that helps individuals accept distressing thoughts while focusing on values-driven actions.

Instead of eliminating fears, ACT promotes psychological flexibility, reducing their impact. Research shows that combining ACT with ERP enhances treatment outcomes for OCD and related disorders.

Frequently asked Questions

  • Our first session is a safe space to share your experiences and goals. We’ll move at your pace, and together, we’ll create a plan that feels right for you.

  • ERP is the gold-standard treatment for OCD and phobias like emetophobia. It gradually exposes individuals to feared situations while preventing avoidance behaviors, reducing anxiety over time and helping regain control.

  • ERP is done gradually at a comfortable pace. The goal is not to overwhelm, but to help you build confidence and learn that you can tolerate discomfort. You're supported every step of the way.

  • If anxiety, OCD, or phobias are making life harder, you don’t have to navigate them alone. A free 15-minute consultation can help us see if this is the right fit for you.

  • Everyone’s journey is different—some see progress in months, while others need more time. We’ll work together at a pace that supports your growth.

  • I offer virtual sessions for clients in California, making therapy accessible and flexible for your needs.

  • CBT is structured and goal-oriented, focusing on how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact. It helps individuals challenge unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier, more balanced responses.

  • Mindfulness, especially in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), helps individuals acknowledge distressing thoughts without judgment while staying focused on their values. This approach reduces the impact of fear and supports long-term resilience.

  • Yes, therapy is confidential, which means that anything you discuss with me will be kept private and not shared with anyone else without your consent. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if I am required by law to report certain information. This will be discussed and reviewed in your first session.

MY Personal Path to Becoming a Therapist

My passion for therapy and helping others stems from my own personal experiences. I’m no stranger to the grips of anxiety and understand the profound burden it can place on us. Overcoming my own challenges ignited a deep desire to support others on their healing journeys.

I believe that through human connection and vulnerability, we are able to gain meaning and understanding through life’s ups and downs. Embracing and sharing our stories— from what brings us deep pain all the way to what brings us great joy— is what brings us together. Emotional rollercoasters are a part of life. We are all human, after all.

Through it all, I am here to tell you— you can recover. You can live a life that isn’t dominated by anxiety, obsessions, and compulsions. You can tolerate discomfort, let go of control, and live freely. I am honored to hear your story and walk this path of life with you.

Training and Certifications

  • Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - University of San Diego

  • Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP)

  • Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

  • Member of the International OCD Foundation

  • Contributing Writer for Choosing Therapy

Instagram @kaitlynpeterstherapy

🧳Back at it with another brief example of an exposure hierarchy for #aerophobia (fear of flying)! Fear of flying is one of the most common fears people struggle with. It often prevents people from traveling the world, visiting family during the hol
🌼 Happy Monday! Planned out my self-care for the week 💆🏼‍♀️ what are you doing for yourself this week? #therapy #selfcare
Uncertainty is a part of life, and just because we experience it doesn’t mean we have to fight with it. 🌱 #therapist #therapy #phobia #expouretherapy #erp #anxiety #fear #ocd #acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy
⭐️Brief example of an exposure hierarchy for #emetophobia We’ve all heard the saying “face your fears,” and that is essentially what exposure therapy is all about! The more we avoid our fear, the more it is kept alive. Exposure th
🌿put together a little introduction so we can get to know each other. so grateful to be part of such a strong, inspiring community.✨ #ocd #obsessivecompulsivedisorder #therapists #mentalhealth #phobias #emetophobia #anxiety #acceptanceandcommitmentt
intrusive thoughts are extremely sticky because your brain places significant meaning on the words, images, and stories in your brain. let’s use an example: you’re sitting on your couch, just about to unwind to an episode of your fav tv s

Let’s Connect!

Please fill out this form to set up a FREE 15-minute consultation call.

I will send you a text to set up a call.