Fear of things on the right side (dextrophobia)

Dextrophobia is described as a fear of objects on the right side of the body. Someone might feel uneasy when things are placed to their right, prefer to keep people on their left, or choose seats so that nothing is on that side.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Latin dexter, meaning right. It is rarely reported and found almost only on lists, with an opposite term, levophobia, for the left side. Fears like this can link to a particular past event on one side, or to a need for things to feel balanced and in order.

What it feels like

• Unease when someone sits or walks on your right
• Rearranging tables, desks or bags so nothing is on that side
• Keeping a close eye on the right, as if something might happen there

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

Common questions

Why would a fear be about one side of the body?

Sometimes it traces back to a specific event, such as an accident or injury on that side. In other cases it is linked to a need for order or symmetry. Exploring where it started is often a useful first step.

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.

See all session options and prices