Having anxiety about needing the toilet (toilet anxiety) is surprisingly common. We probably see 2 or 3 new cases a month.
Although every case is different, they all share similar characteristics. The typical triggers generally involve believing they will need to use the toilet but for some reason, it will be difficult. Generally, the reasons will be quite specific and often very narrow. i.e. it might be whilst driving and encountering a traffic jam or it could be whilst out shopping and being unable to find a public toilet.
They will often try to use the toilet frequently before going out, sometimes 5 or 6 times. They will often avoid eating or drinking before going out as well.
This type of agoraphobia behaviour can be very debilitating indeed for the sufferer. They may not go out socially to things like restaurants or the movies, even though they know that there are toilets there. They may not travel on public transport, even trains or coaches with toilets on board.
The anxiety is heightened when there is only one toilet. As they will worry that someone will be using it when they need to use it. So they may get very anxious at a party for example if a queue for the toilet develops.
They may become very anxious in these sort of situations. Sometimes they can have a panic attack at a party or social situation and have to return home where they feel safe.
Is this your journey to work?
Toilet anxiety needs no evidence
Even though the sufferer may have never had the experience where they have wet or soiled themselves in public, and have no evidence that it will indeed ever happen. The lack of evidence will do nothing to lessen the fear. They may, for example, need the toilet and have to hold it for an hour or more. This for most people would be evidence that they are capable of holding it for a reasonable amount of time to facilitate getting to a toilet. However, for the toilet anxiety sufferer, this simple piece of evidence will be completely ignored as that does not fit in with their current beliefs.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sufferers often suffer from toilet anxiety and it will quite often exacerbate the IBS by raising stress levels, which of course feeds their toilet anxiety.
How can hypnotherapy help with toilet anxiety?
Toilet anxiety can only exist if the client has the belief that they will not make it to a toilet. For most people, this fear is tempered by the belief that they can hold it until they reach a toilet. Essentially it is a confidence issue, the confidence in their body to deal with the situation when it arises.
By using hypnotherapy we are able to deliver the suggestion directly to the subconscious part of the mind. Once that suggestion is taken on by the subconscious, the beliefs change and then ultimately the behaviours fall in line.
There may be numerous situations that trigger their fears. However, normally we only have to tackle a few of them before the subconscious gets the message. At that point, the fear collapses and the anxiety falls away.
The specialists at the Surrey Institute have a vast experience dealing with toilet anxiety and can generally resolve it within 4 to 6 sessions.
If you have toilet anxiety, be rest assured that you do not have to live with it and the problems it brings. By using hypnotherapy for toilet anxiety we can help you to get rid of it for good.
If you would like to find out more about treating anxiety please visit our main anxiety page.
Not nearby? No Problem
Since the COVID pandemic, we have been working with clients to help them overcome their toilet anxiety on line. The interesting thing is that it appears to be just as effective as in-person sessions. We are now working with clients from all over the globe and helping them to return to a more “normal” and carefree life.
First, I want to inspire you about Amanda and how she worked through her anxiety and the things she learned that helped her.
Then, I would like to send you regular emails to help you to start taking control and give you a chance to think and feel differently about anxiety. I want you to know upfront that I will send you a few emails every week.
Complete this form and I will tell you about Amanda.
Hi! I’m 23 years old and I live in California. I’ve been struggling with toilet anxiety for a couple of years now and it’s been getting worse, so I decided to lookup to see if it was common or not and I’m really surprised because this whole page described exactly how I feel mostly of the times. I don’t really can’t afford therapy right now but at least gives me hope that one day I’ll be able to fix this problem and have a normal life again.
Hello, is there anyone you can recommend around the Brighton area?
Many thanks
Hi Debbie
I’m afraid I can’t. There are very few Hypnotherapists that specialise in this sort of issue and currently, our professional association will not allow us to work face-to-face. However, since the lockdown, we have been working online with clients to great effect. It seems to be as good and possibly a little better (not sure why that would be).
Kind regards
Paul Howard
I’m in Maldives, can u recommend someone around here ?
No I’m afraid I can’t recommend anybody out there.
Hi I have suffered from toilet anxiety for around twelve years now, I have had CBT and therapy sessions which did help a little, but I still struggle day to day. My family stress whenever we travel anywhere due to my issues which have lead to nearly missing flights for holidays and I never go on trips.
Hi Angela
Yes, this is a common problem. The approach I would take would be for you to use hypnotherapy prove to your subconscious mind that you can trust your body. Further, I would start to change the thoughts, feelings, behaviours and ultimately the beliefs. Once the beliefs have changed the problem is resolved.
Can you recommend a hypnotherapist in Somerset for this please? Thank you so much.
Hi there
Can you recommend someone in greater London? I’m South east, but work North west, and willing to travel.
Thanks
Hi Melissa
We are Greater London and not that far from you. We are in Wallington, Surrey near Croydon.
Hi,
Can you recommend anyone in the Northamptonshire area who can help with this issue?
Hi Simon
Can you be a bit more specific about where you live a postcode or town would be good?
Having asked for that I will have a look for you but it is quite a specialised area.
Hi Paul,
I’m near to Wellingborough.
I’m really sorry there is nobody I know personally near you that I would feel comfortable recommending.
Hi Paul
Could you recommend someone near St Albans area please?
Hi Elaine
I have had a look but it is quite a specialised area and I have been unable to find a practitioner in your area that is specifically trained or specialises in this field.
I’m sorry about that. As you are so far away we could perhaps do one live session and then some sessions over skype or facetime. The first session would have to be face to face though.
Can you recommend anyone in Hertfordshire area
Hi Shelly
Where about’s in Hertfordshire?
Cheshunt
Any info on this at all. Thanks I advance
Hi Shelly
No, I have really struggled to find somebody I am happy to recommend. The ones I have called have not responded to me so I am at a bit of a loss.
Who would you recommend that would be the nearest to my location.
Hi Shelly
You could try PAUL LEVRANT from https://hypnowellness.co.uk/ he’s a sensible hypnotherapist and well skilled.
Paul please could you recommend someone in Suffolk? I’m near Bury St Edmunds but willing to travel.
Hi Holly
I’ve really struggled to find someone near you that I feel has the experience to treat this issue. I can recommend Graham Russell he is just north of Norwich but still a fair distance from you I’m afraid. He has recently moved and his website is not working yet but it may be up any day now. But he has a wealth of experience with this type of anxiety and I can highly recommend him.
His website is hypnotherapynorfolk.co.uk
I will email you his contact details
Okay, thanks for the reply! Would the problems I have be suitable for toilet anxiety therapy?
Hi Kate
Yes, I believe they would be very treatable with hypnotherapy. But it’s important that the hypnotherapists know what they are doing. Toilet anxiety has some particular problems associated with it.
Hi,
I have a huge amount of anxiety around using the toilet in public places, but it doesn’t quite fit your description here? It’s not a problem with finding a toilet in time, but being overheard etc. It’s affected me my whole adult life (30 now) and has been dictating my day to day life. I get very intense feelings of shame and humiliation when I do try to go around others, and this creates all the anxiety around going to the toilet. Panic attacks, planning my whole day around going to the toilet, crying in toilets at work if i need to go etc. I have avoided holidays, social events, avoiding visiting friends and family. Would you still count this as a toilet phobia? And are there any support groups for this kind of thing?
Thanks,
K
Hi Kate
Not that I know of I treat people on an individual basis as the triggers tend to be very specific.
Hi is there anyone around the merseyside area that can help with this?
I’m from the wirral, but i can travel as far as liverpool. I have suffered with this since for 12 years, i’m 24 now. Can’t get the bus/train, have trouble traveling anywhere, trouble doing my driving lessons, even though they are only a hour. Troubles with work. Only seems to be getting worse. I have had previous therapy before, more than 12/14 sessions, tried several medications which didn’t help either. Any advice would be good to get my life back on track.
Hi Dan
I have located a therapist near you who is well qualified and has experience dealing with this problem. You can contact her via her website http://www.thrivewithpat.com/. Please do come back to me and tell me how you get on.
Kind regards
Paul Howard
Hi Paul
Been suffering with this for about 3 months now, it’s horrible and it’s stopping me from doing stuff. The description above perfectly encapsulates what I am feeling, is there anyone in the Hampshire area you would recommend? Even if I have to travel further I will. Thank you for your help.
Where in Hampshire are you I have a good guy in Petersfield?
Winchester area, so petersfield is perfect. How much are the sessions? Am very keen to start as soon as possible. Thanks for getting back so quick.
Hi any update? How do I get in contact with this person?
Sorry, Dylan I completely forgot to send you his details. But here they are now.
Hypnotherapypetersfield.co.uk is his website. His name is Graham Parish and he has a lot of experience in the anxiety arena. His number is 07810 877158 or you can use his contact form to email him at http://hypnotherapypetersfield.co.uk/contact-us/
Kind regards
Paul Howard
Thank you
Hi Dylan,
I have replied to your email, but the email bounced back for some reason. Perhaps you could let me have a different email address or call me on 07810 877158. Many thanks Graham, http://www.HypnotherapyPetersfield.co.uk
Hi, my son who is 17 has been suffering from TP for almost 9 months. He has had to leave school because of it. Is there anyone in the Strathclyde area of Scotland you would recommend?
Thanks
Hi Paul, After reading everything on this page I can relate to it all. I honestly thought it would get better though my anxiety disorder of agoraphobia has got worse and it has been four years. Is there anyone you could recommend in AZ
I am from India and I am suffering with dis problem since 6 years due to this problem I am not able to go out of my home. My life has become a hell to me can u plz help me
Hi Paul, I wish I lived closer as i’ve been living with this daily anxiety since I was a teenager and I’m now 34! Its a cycle of worry about being able to go and that worry makes me have to go. It’s affecting my career and relationships with friends as I can’t be myself when I’m feeling anxious! Do you know anyone with specific experience with this who could help me in the Gloucestershire area? Thanks in advance
I am exactly the same Gemma, I need to see someone soon. It’s been going on for over 20 years.
I’ve suffered for 5 years now and reading this has been so true to my life. Any suggestions for Oxford area? I need help.
You could try Mark Witter here is a profile page on the TISPH website https://www.tisph.com/practitioner-finder/view/plid/59/ he is well qualified although I do not know him personally Or Jenny Goulkd at https://www.hypnotension.com/find-a-hypnotension-practitioner/view/plid/195/ again I do not know her personally.
Both should be able to help you.
Any suggestions in Worthing, West sussex area?
Hi Natalie
I can highly recommend Nichole her details are here https://www.tisph.com/practitioner-finder/view/plid/27/
Hi, i have been suffering from toilet phobia for about 6 years now and is really effecting me, do you know anyone in Devon or Somerset you could recommend please.
I can highly recommend Lyta at hypnosisdevon.com
Hi Paul my 16 year old son is suffering toilet anxiety which is starting to make him withdraw from his social life and is impacting his schoolwork. Reading the comments above of others is reassuring to know he is not alone but we need help. Surrey would be quite a trip for us .Can you recommend anyone in the Watford , Herts area.
Hi Paul,
I am nearly 18, and have been suffering from this since before my GCSE exams in 2015, just over 2 years now. Not as long as some people, but is really starting to destroy my life. I find it hard to do anything social, and am too anxious to stick at a job. I am from the Suffolk/Norfolk area, is there anyone at all you can recommend who can help me?
Hi Scott
Yes I have a colleague Graham Russell that I would highly recommend just north of Norwich. His website is hypnotherapynorfolk.co.uk
Hi Paul, is there anyone you can recommend in the Lincoln/Newark area? I’ve been struggling with this issue for 6 years and had no luck with other types of therapy. Thanks
Hi Sara
Yes I can highly recommend Sally Moore at http://hypnotherapylincolnshire.co.uk
Hi I suffer from toilet anxiety which effects my daily life and family … I live in Sunderland can you recommend anyone who specialises in this in my area thanks
Hi Terri
I’m sorry but I don’t know anybody I would be happy to recommend.
Hi Paul,
I have been suffering some time with agoraphobia. I have let it have a significant impact on my life which has prevented me doing many things but I want that to change. Please, can you recommend someone in the Crewe area (cheshire) that could possibly help?
Thanks Julia
Hi Julia
I am reticent to recommend any hypnotherapist that I don’t know especially for anxiety as there are a lot of hypnotherapist playing at it. I see client after client that has tried hypnotherapy but have got little or no effect from it. If you go here https://www.hypnotherapists.org.uk/therapist-finder/addr/crewe/ it will give you a list of hypnotherapists in your area. I would suggest talking to them and trying to establish if they have specialist experience in the type of anxiety you experience. Judging by the page you commented on very few hypnotherapist work with toilet anxiety.
If I can be of any further help please feel free to give me a call.
Kind regards
Paul Howard
P.S. I know Crewe is a long way from us, but just a thought we are about to announce another one of our 1 day anxiety boot camps for anxiety. This is where we have a small number of people with various anxiety issues and multiple therapists. We work with them in groups and one-to-one to tackle the various issues and although it is an intense day it has shown to be very effective and of course it can work if you live too far to have weekly sessions. If you want to hear about that and other help we offer why not join my anxiety tips and trick email list. Where I write regular emails to help people around the globe with anxiety. It is completely free and can be found here.
Hi
Could you recommend someone close to Hull, Yorkshire? I have tried a range of methods such as counselling and CBT but to no avail.
Thanks
Hi Bethany
I’m afraid there is no one in you area I could recommend. The only person I could recommend is about 409 miles away from you at http://hypnotherapylincolnshire.co.uk/
Kind regards
Paul Howard
I have had this problem for about 4 years now and it is spiralling out of control. I have no idea where it came from but it’s gone from me having a normal life, to me obsessing about the toilet when I’m out and about. It’s got the point where I can’t go on a bus and even when there is a toilet (such as a train) I get scared that people are judging me that Im going to the toilet too often. I live in Kent and an wondering if there’s anyone closer that could be recommended please? Thank you.
Hi Amy
Kent is a big place! Where about’s are you in Kent?
Kind regards
Paul Howard
Sorry, should have said. I live in Dover. Thanks for the reply.
Amy the only 2 people I would feel comfortable recommending nearer you would be Heidi Woodgate in Gravesend north Kent hypnotherapy.co.uk or Karen Martin at hypnotherapykent.co.uk
My 11 year old son has terrible toilet anxiety, panics about being out and not being near a toilet. Can make himself physically sick when trying to go out as a way of preventing any trips. Recent holiday was so bad as spent ages waiting outside toilets for him. So stressful. Affecting family life as nightmare trying to go out anywhere. We live in KT3.
Hi Sarah
I’m really sorry I have only just seen this. I will pass it on to the Paediatric hypnotherapist Paul White. He will respond to you soon. However, having said that I am sure he will be able to help your son as he has worked with children with similar problems many time before.
Hello.
How quickly can these session help?
Iv suffered with a form of toilet anxiety for the past two years but only just come across the idea that hypnotherapy could help.
I get married very soon, and this fear is starting to make me really panic. I live in London, could you suggest anywhere to help? Thanks
Hi Harrie
Normally, we can make significant changes withing three sessions but it can take up to six. Where abouts in London are you? It’s a big place!
There are not many hypnotherapists that specialise in this issue. Depending where you are it may be worth coming to us. Our Wallington clinic is 25 minutes from Victoria by train. Let me know your postcode and I will try and find someone local to you. Do not post it on here use the form here http://www.sich.co.uk/clinic-wallington-surrey/
Hi Paul
I am a 27 year old MA student and have had this phobia since I was 10 years old. It is crippling my life and I am desperate for some help. I have had CBT which helped to get me out of the house (I stayed in for 3 years). Would hypnotherapy help me?
Anne
Hi Anne
Yes I think it would we have had significant success with this problem over the years although it will depend on your triggers and thoughts and ultimately if you are ready to change them.
Hi,
Only really admitted to myself that I have had this problem for several years and I am now 19. I struggle to commute to work and as soon as someone asks me to go somewhere I immediately think of the nearest toilet to that place. Would CBT/Hypnotherapy work? Who do I contact? I have a few holidays this year to unfamiliar places and am worried about this.
Hi Sam
Yes I think hypnotherapy could help you. This is a form of agoraphobia that we work with quite regularly. Where are you based? Let me know and I can probably recommend someone close to you.
Hi I have a toilet anxiety and it’s starting to take over my life now. I’m a 43 year old male. Is the hypnotherapy something that could make me better? I’m getting feed up with it controlling my life and need to change things. Can you help?
Hi Marc
This is something that we have treated many times before and hypnotherapy has shown to be very effective at changing the thoughts and behaviours around this type of anxiety.
Kind regards
Paul Howard
Institute Director