Philippe Geubels Tackles Anxiety as Coach in New VRT1 Program ‘Gene Paniek’

Belgian comedian Philippe Geubels is stepping into a new role as an anxiety coach in the VRT1 program ‘Gene Paniek’ (No Panic), which premiered on February 22, 2026. The display aims to help individuals confront and overcome their phobias and ironically, the process has led Geubels to revisit his own struggles with anxiety.

From Comedian to Coach

Geubels, known for his humor, is now guiding participants through exposure therapy – a method where individuals are gradually exposed to their fears to diminish their impact. The program features 17 candidates facing a range of phobias, including fear of spiders, heights, water, flying, driving, and even cats VRT1.

Personal Confrontations

While helping others, Geubels found himself confronting his own anxieties, including agoraphobia, fear of heights, and a toilet phobia. He even resumed therapy during the filming process VRT News. He described his experience as realizing his anxieties weren’t as under control as he initially believed VRT News.

Exposure Therapy and Humor

‘Gene Paniek’ utilizes exposure therapy, a recognized treatment method, and combines it with Geubels’ signature humor. The show aims to provide a supportive yet challenging environment for participants as they operate towards overcoming their fears. Examples of challenges include freediving for those with water anxiety, highlining for those afraid of heights, and even participating in a cat show for someone with a fear of cats VRT1.

Geubels’ Approach to Anxiety

Geubels has stated that his anxiety hasn’t disappeared, but his approach has changed. He no longer actively fights his fears, and sometimes even seeks out the feeling in hopes it will diminish over time VRT News. He hopes the program will help others address their phobias and encourage them to seek help.

Where to Watch

‘Gene Paniek’ airs every Sunday on VRT 1 and is also available on VRT MAX, starting February 22, 2026 Facebook.