Fear of asymmetry (asymmetriphobia)

Asymmetriphobia is a fear of things that are uneven or lopsided. A crooked picture frame, an off centre tile or mismatched socks can cause real discomfort until they are put right. Some people feel the need to even things out on their own body, such as touching both sides equally.

About this phobia

The word is built from asymmetry with the suffix phobia. It is rarely reported and appears mostly on lists of fears. The discomfort it describes can overlap with obsessive compulsive disorder, where a need for symmetry or for things to feel just right is a known pattern.

What it feels like

• Straightening objects that others have not noticed
• Feeling unsettled until things look balanced
• Repeating actions on one side to match the other

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

Common questions

Does a need for symmetry mean OCD?

Not always. Many people like things neat and even. If the urge to fix asymmetry takes up a lot of time, causes distress or is hard to resist, it is worth talking to a GP, who can look at whether OCD might be involved.

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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