Fear of symmetry (symmetrophobia)

Symmetrophobia describes a fear or strong dislike of things that are evenly balanced or mirror each other. Someone with this fear might feel uneasy in a perfectly matched room, avoid neat rows of objects, or knock things slightly out of line to feel more comfortable.

About this phobia

The name simply joins symmetry with phobia, and it turns up mainly on lists of phobias rather than in clinical writing. It is sometimes described as the opposite of the strong need for order and evenness that some people with obsessive compulsive patterns feel. Fear of asymmetry, sometimes called asymmetriphobia, is a related list term.

What it feels like

• Tension or irritation when looking at perfectly matched patterns or layouts
• An urge to move, tilt or rearrange objects so they are no longer even
• Discomfort in formal spaces such as symmetrical buildings, gardens or rooms

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is symmetrophobia a real phobia?

It is not a formal diagnosis and there is very little written about it beyond lists of phobias. Even so, a strong reaction to symmetry can be real for the person feeling it, and it is often worth looking at whether it links to wider anxiety or a need for control.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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