Hypnotherapy for Toilet Anxiety

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Toilet anxiety

Having anxiety about needing the toilet is surprisingly common. We probably see 2 or 3 new cases a week.

What triggers toilet anxiety fear?

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. for example, anxiety when travelling 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.

What causes it in the first place?

This anxiety can be caused at any stage in life however it is mostly generated as a child. It could be if you soiled yourself in public or just thought you might. It can even be set up by a parent making you use the toilet before leaving the house. If a situation is perceived as “dangerous” i.e. what happens if I need the toilet and don’t make it… It is this perception and prediction that will generate feelings of anxiety around the subject.

Now, although it might start with a silly thought or incident. The beliefs and perceptions can grow and increase as time passes, and what was “just a silly thought” becomes a deep-seated belief that you will have an accident in public. This creates a strong sense of danger. i.e. danger of embarrassment.

It does not have to start as a child often it might be an incident that takes place as an adult that plants the seed and the beliefs grow in the same way.

It can of course be a learnt behaviour. i.e. one learnt from another person close to you normally a parental figure but it can be a sibling or even a friend.

What is toilet anxiety?

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 sorts 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?

This 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 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 anxiety.

How can hypnotherapy help with toilet anxiety?

This anxiety can only exist if the client has the belief that they will not make it to the 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.

When this issue is treated with medication, CBT, psychotherapy, counselling and general hypnotherapy techniques, we believe, that it actually makes it worse. Now the people that try to help are definitely doing their best to solve the problem, but it’s my belief that for this particular anxiety, the usual therapeutic interventions often make it worse in the long run.

How to stop toilet anxiety

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.

How common is toilet anxiety?

This is such a big problem that we now have a team of specialists that treat this problem. Now that we can work over the internet we are able to help people worldwide but we are just scratching the surface of this problem.

The specialists at the Surrey Institute have vast experience dealing with toilet anxiety and can generally resolve it within 4 to 6 sessions. If you have Crohn’s or IBS you might need a few more sessions to resolve your toilet anxiety

This complex, multi-faceted anxiety is treated by my team and I on a daily basis. We spend our entire day talking about pee and poo.

The vast majority of my clients are able to recover fully and start living a normal life, even those who have had this anxiety so long, that they don’t know or remember what normal is.

If you have toilet anxiety, be rest assured that you do not have to live with it and the problems it brings. So don’t suffer any more. Get in touch to see how we can help. By using our specialist hypnotherapy process for toilet anxiety we can help you to get rid of it for good.

If you would like to find out more about treating other anxiety issues 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 online. 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.

95 thoughts on “Hypnotherapy for Toilet Anxiety”

  1. Hi there, I have had this toilet anxiety on and off all of my life and hardly go out at all now I have had some serous operations and they seem to have made the things worse. Do you think hypnotherapy would help me.

    Reply

    • Hi Muriel

      It sounds as if you’ve had a rough time of it. I would hope we would be able to help you. If there are no physical reasons as to this problem I’m pretty sure we can.
      Kind regards
      Paul Howard

      Reply

  2. Hi Paul,

    I have been having toilet anxiety for the past year or so. It has gotten increasingly worse to the point where sometimes it’s hard to leave my house. I have completely changed as a person because of it. I used to always be out every night not thinking twice about a toilet but now it’s hard for me to leave home and I can’t think about doing any kind of activity without serious stress and anxiety about finding a toilet.

    Anything helps!

    Thanks,
    Jack

    Reply

    • Hi Jack
      This is a very common story I hear every day. The good news is that I’m pretty sure we can help you to recover completely from this issue. I have responded directly to you via email.

      Reply

  3. Hi Paul,
    I have toilet anxiety and panic about being out with friends etc and having an accident in public. It is beginning to control what I do and my social life. Could you help?
    Thanks
    Kirsty

    Reply

  4. I am so happy to find this page as I have had anxiety for many years but past 2/3 years my anxiety has focused on toilets! I panic or can no longer go on a long bus ride. I cannot go to the park with my children due to the anxiety of needing the toilet. Even visiting a zoo I panicked about toilets! It dominates my life but when I’m working or at home I go toilet to empty my bladder few times a day. But when I am going out I constantly panick and go toilet repeatedly, when I am out I feel a uncontrollable need for the toilet especially when There is no toilet! I cannot understand where this behaviour come from and I know using the toilet frequently can cause weak bladder and worsen the problem

    Reply

    • H, I’m sorry I don’t have your name. Don’t worry, It probably seems like you’ve had this problem for a long time. But rest assured, it is reversible. We have worked with thousands of people with this problem over the last 20+ years and nowadays we are very confident of being able to help you to resolve this completely.

      If you’d like to chat further just drop us a line via the contact form https://www.sich.co.uk/hypnotherapy-clinic-in-wallington-surrey/ or give us a call.
      Kind regards
      Paul Howard

      Reply

  5. Hi Paul, I am a 30 yr old female and I think I have had this challenge of toilet phobia for about 2 years now. I was really happy to have come across this page and the reviews make me hopeful. To be honest, this phobia started to limit my life and things that I used to freely enjoy or look forward to in the past (bus rides, picnics, road journeys, boat rides etc.) has now become something impossible for me to do ! This has stemmed from a very specific incident that happened to me in 2019 and since then my life has never been the same.
    Please can you let me know how I might contact you? I really want to overcome this challenge once and for all.

    Reply

    • Hi Anindita
      The good news for you is, that you’ve only had the problem for a few years which makes it a bit easier to treat. Having said that we have worked with clients that have had this problem for 50 years and still resolved the problem relatively quickly.
      The things you list as impossible at the moment should present no problem in the future. You can contact us on our contact us page

      Reply

      • Thanks for your response Paul. I was wondering if these sessions more effective in person or online, what is your opinion?
        I understand the clinic is based in Surrey and I am based in Birmingham. I am trying to find the the most effective format as I would like to start as soon as possible and will book the sessions based on your response.

        Reply

    • Hi Susan

      I don’t know of any around that post-code as I think I am the only person that specialises in this problem. However, I do work with most of my clients online if that helps?

      Reply

  8. Hello Paul,

    This article gave me so much hope, I thought I was the only one with Toilet Anxiety. I been living in shame as I felt something was wrong with me.

    I am in the United States, near Los Angeles, California. Do you do virtual session or recommend anyone in Southern California?

    I want to thank you in advance.

    Reply

  9. I am very happy I found this page! I have the exact symptoms described in this. I would prefer to see someone in person, I live in Boston, MA. Can you recommend anyone in this area? If not, how do I go about working with you online?

    Reply

    • Hi Bill

      I don’t know of anyone to recommend to you as I think I am the only person that specialises in this problem. However, I do work with most of my clients online if that helps? I have just finished with a client in Boston funny enough. She has done really well and will probably leave a review in a day or so. So lookout for it.

      Reply

  10. Hi

    Could you recommend someone in Edinburgh or if online works, I’d happily try it. I’d be so happy to get back to a more usual lifestyle than what I’m living

    Reply

  12. 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.

    Reply

    • 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

      Reply

    • I’m 55 years old and have had bowel and bladder anxiety for 40 years. I’ve been on all different kinds of meds. They help with my depression and anxiety but don’t phase the BB anxiety. Still praying God will take it away and i can lead a normal life. I live in Kentucky.

      Reply

      • Hi Anita
        I’m not sure how effective prying will be, but I can tell you that you can remove this problem. Providing there is no physical problem and in the vast majority of my clients, there isn’t (even though most believe there is). All we need to effect the change you’re looking for is to change a belief that has been set up, in your case, 40 years ago. I won’t lie to you, the longer you’ve had the problem the more ingrained that belief is. I wish I could get to people when this belief is first set up as the resolution is much easier to achieve. However, this problem is fixable with nothing more than the resources that are already inside of you.

        Currently, your behaviours and avoidances maintain and even enhance the problem. That has to be reversed and we have to create new beliefs and patterns of behaviour at a sub-conscious level for the resolution to have the longevity you need. This is not about achieving relief from the problem, my aim is to resolve this problem for life.

        Being in Kentucky is not a barrier. Thanks to the pandemic I now work with clients from all over the world. To be honest I have found working over Zoom does not seem to affect the work I do.

        Kind regards

        Paul Howard

        Reply

  15. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

    • 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

      Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  23. 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

    Reply

    • Hi Kate

      Not that I know of I treat people on an individual basis as the triggers tend to be very specific.

      Reply

  24. 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.

    Reply

  25. 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.

    Reply

  26. 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

    Reply

  27. 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

    Reply

  28. 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

    Reply

  29. 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

    Reply

  30. 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.

    Reply

  31. 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.

    Reply

  32. 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.

    Reply

  33. 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?

    Reply

    • Hi Scott

      Yes I have a colleague Graham Russell that I would highly recommend just north of Norwich. His website is hypnotherapynorfolk.co.uk

      Reply

  34. 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

    Reply

  35. 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

    Reply

  36. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  37. 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

    Reply

  38. 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.

    Reply

  39. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  40. 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

    Reply

    • Hi Harrie

      Normally, we can make significant changes within three sessions but it can take up to six. Whereabouts in London are you? It’s a big place!

      There are not many hypnotherapists that specialise in this issue. Depending on 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 here use the form here https://www.sich.co.uk/hypnotherapy-clinic-in-wallington-surrey/

      Reply

  41. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  42. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  43. 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?

    Reply

    • 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

      Reply

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