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EMILY WAUGH BEAT HER INTENSE PHOBIA OF VOMITING AND IS SHARING HER STORY IN HOPES OF HELPING OTHERS 18:00, 24 May 2025 A brave nine-year-old girl from Newcastle has overcome an intense fear,

thanks to her own determination and therapy at North Shields-based Blue Talking Therapies. Everyday life had become a minefield for Emily Waugh, from West Denton, who would often panic,

freeze, or try to escape if someone even simply mentioned her fear. Emily had been struggling with emetophobia - a severe fear of vomiting or seeing or hearing others be sick. Her mum,

Catherine, was recommended to try Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) at Blue Talking Therapies in North Shields, and after just seven sessions with therapist Liam McCourt, Emily’s life has

changed dramatically. She can now stay calm in situations that once felt terrifying. "Emily used to panic, shake, freeze or try to escape if anyone even mentioned feeling unwell,"

said her mum. "It was really hard for her, especially when one of us was poorly at home or she was in school and someone became unwell. "We knew we needed to do something to help

her as it was only getting worse, so when my aunt mentioned how successful her experience with CBT had been, we decided to give it a try." Working at Emily’s pace, therapist Liam used

gentle techniques and exposure therapy to help her slowly face her fear, starting with watching videos and learning calming strategies. Over time, Emily built up her confidence, realised she

could cope and developed a toolkit for handling anxious moments. Article continues below The big breakthrough came when her younger brother had a stomach bug. Instead of the usual panic and

fear, Emily was able to stay in the room and was even able to comfort him. Emily said: "It’s amazing, I thought I’d never be able to cope, I just used to be so scared and now I can

handle it." So impressed by her progress, the team at Blue Talking Therapies wanted to acknowledge Emily’s commitment and bravery, so they ordered her a Jellycat toy to celebrate her

courage. Therapist Liam said: "We were all blown away by Emily’s bravery. Facing that level of fear takes real strength, and she did it with determination and humour. “We heard that

Jellycats are her favourite toy and so we sent her the lion for her courage. She named him Liam which is just a total honour," he laughed. Article continues below Blue Talking

Therapies, based in North Shields, offers evidence-based support for common mental health problems such as anxiety, phobias, OCD, PTSD, and low mood. Their team of accredited therapists use

approaches like CBT and EMDR to help children, teens, and adults build the tools they need to feel better. Emily’s story is being shared in the hope it might help other families take the

first steps. Mum Catherine ended adding: "If your child is struggling with anxiety, don’t wait and hope it goes away. Getting the right help can make a world of difference." JOIN

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