The Cynophobia Clinic

Overcoming a phobia takes time, making it unrealistic to expect an immediate prevention of the automatic fear response when encountering a dog. While there's no magic solution to eliminate anxiety, there are simple behaviors to take control and prevent unwanted interactions with dogs.

For more insights, listen to Anthony Berrick's episode, "Barking Up the Right Tree: Exploring Cynophobia and Its Solutions" - link in bio!

If you're scared of dogs, exposure therapy allows you to gently and safely overcome your fear, letting you take charge of your progress.

Our psychologist will collaborate with you to create a plan that feels safe and comfortable to you, so you stay in control every step of the way.

If fear of dogs is holding you back, start your journey to a fear-free life by booking a Roadmap Session or joining our therapy waitlist on our website at thecynophobiaclinic.com.au via the link in our bio.

Take the first step towards liberating yourself from the grip of cynophobia with our comprehensive services. The Roadmap Session is your initial guide, where we work closely with you or your child to assess your unique situation and set achievable goals.

Understanding your fear and its impact helps us tailor an effective plan to overcome it. Our therapy sessions delve deeper, employing evidence-based techniques to reshape your perception of dogs and instil a newfound sense of confidence. You'll not only learn to be at ease around dogs but also grasp essential knowledge of dog behaviour and communication, empowering you to navigate encounters with assurance.

Head over to the link in bio to start your journey!

Ever wondered what it feels like to have cynophobia, a fear of dogs?

Common sensations that people with cynophobia experience in the presence of dogs include: dizziness or light-headedness, nausea, ‘butterflies’ in the stomach, ‘jelly legs’, trembling, clammy skin, sweating, chest tightness, heart pounding, flushed cheeks, and dry mouth.

Although these sensations can be extremely unpleasant, it’s important to understand that they are part of the brain’s protective response to a perceived threat, and are completely harmless.

If you, or a loved one, experience extreme fear and anxiety in the presence of dogs, we’d love to help you build your confidence and get out of the fear cycle.

Click the link in the bio to find out how we can help you today!

Is your child missing out on childhood joys due to their fear of dogs? 🐶

Our compassionate team specialises in nurturing children through the process of overcoming cynophobia, in a safe and secure environment.

Together, let's empower your child to conquer their fear and open the door to a richer and fuller life.

"In order overcome a phobia you really need to do some kind of exposure therapy, and you need an entry point to that."

Why some children fear dogs and how to help them overcome it With dog ownership increasing during the pandemic, and the pets being welcomed into more public spaces like cafes, experts say families with a child who experiences cynophobia can find day-to-day activities stressful.

Wondering why your child is scared of dogs? Dealing with your child's fear can be frustrating, as it's not always easy to understand the root cause. The desire to see your child happy and carefree can intensify this frustration. Emotions, especially fear, don't always follow logical pathways. That's where exposure therapy comes in.

By directly addressing the emotional aspects, exposure therapy helps shift how a child feels about dogs, leading to a more comprehensive solution for overcoming fear.

Visit the link in our bio to learn more about how exposure therapy can help your child lead a more confident and carefree life.

Is it really too much to ask? 🤔

Are you concerned about your child's fear of dogs? Here are four steps to support them:

Validate: Understand and acknowledge their feelings. Show them that it's okay to feel scared without judgment.

Be Curious: Ask open-ended questions to explore their concerns. Let them express their thoughts and feelings without trying to convince them otherwise.

Offer Support: Collaborate on finding solutions. Provide suggestions, such as gathering information about the environment or making arrangements to ensure their comfort.

Seek Help: If the fear persists and affects their daily life, consider professional assistance. We specialise in helping children overcome cynophobia, offering in-person and remote support. Reach out or book a Roadmap Session on our website. Your child doesn't have to face this alone.

Have you ever wondered what therapy options there are for cynophobia?

Exposure therapy is the 'gold standard' therapy approach for phobias, and is recommended by peak medical and psychology associations.

Hypnotherapy is a popular approach for phobias which aims to alter subconscious thoughts and feelings, but lacks strong scientific evidence.

Medication isn't generally recommended for phobias, except in very specific situations under careful supervision.

Alternative therapies like herbal remedies and meditation are generally harmless but have limited proven benefits.

What people are saying about their experience at the Cynophobia Clinic!

Do dogs make you feel out-of-control? This is your reminder that there are always some things that you CAN control.

At The Cynophobia Clinic, we're here to help you turn 'what if' into reality!

In your therapy sessions, we focus on creating a safe and controlled environment for you to build confidence in. Here are some activities you might be invited to participate in:

Learning: We believe knowledge is power, so we dedicate time to teach clients about dog behaviour and appropriate interactions. This might involve observing a dog on-leash from a distance or practising behaviours in their presence.

Feeding: We gradually build comfort for those fearful of a dog's mouth by incorporating feeding exercises. Clients can use an extendable feeding pole to safely feed a dog from a distance, whether on a leash or behind a fence.

Playing: Interaction through play is a great way to safely connect with dogs. Using a long leash to control proximity, we engage clients in activities like fetch, catch, and tug with our dogs. This helps build confidence in managing a dog's excitement without feeling overwhelmed.

If you're ready to take the first step, head over to www.thecynophobiaclinic.com.au for more information.

Unexpected dog encounter? Remember these quick tips 🐾

1. Stay calm and avoid drawing attention.
2. Stand still; let the dog check you out.
3. Look away to show disinterest.
4. Cross your arms to keep hands out of reach.
5. Keep quiet to maintain a calm interaction.

Helping someone with cynophobia is about being a good listener and showing support in a way that makes them comfortable. Start by just listening, without judging.

Ask questions to understand how they feel. Let them know you're there to help, but respect their need for control. Before sharing info about cynophobia, ask if it's okay.

And remember, sometimes the best support is letting go a bit, and recognising you can't control everything. Be patient and kind; they might feel more comfortable seeking your help when ready.

Debunking Cynophobia Myths: Let's Talk Common Misconceptions 🗣️

🐶 Myth 1: People who are afraid of dogs don’t like them

False! Cynophobia has nothing to do with disliking dogs. Most folks with this fear find dogs adorable and harbour no ill feelings. Our mission is to foster a sense of safety and control, not to turn anyone into a dog-lover. We respect those who prefer to avoid interactions with dogs and teach them to do so effectively.

🐶 Myth 2: If you have a phobia of dogs you must have been attacked by one

Not true! Phobias don't always link to traumatic experiences. Most cynophobia sufferers have never been harmed by a dog. The key trigger for a dog phobia is feeling fear and a loss of control during a dog encounter, even if it's seemingly friendly.

🐶 Myth 3: Controlling your anxiety is the key to overcoming a phobia of dogs

If only it were that simple! Suppressing emotions tends to backfire. Fear isn't your enemy; it's your brain's alarm system. Trying to shut it down intensifies distress. Instead, we focus on managing fear while building confidence and reducing anxiety through positive experiences.

🐶 Myth 4: Letting your child avoid dogs will just strengthen their phobia

Forcing a child (or adult) to have unwanted encounters with dogs is likely to make their fear worse, not better. It will also undermine their trust in you and make them less willing to consider having interactions with dogs in the future.

🐶 Myth 5: Your phobia is too severe (or you’ve had it for too long) for therapy to be successful

Many people with a phobia of dogs simply can’t imagine ever being able to be around a dog without feeling terrified, because their fear is so intense and it’s been part of their lives for so long.

Cynophobia is such a misunderstood condition, causing additional distress and embarassment for people experiencing it.

What other unhelpful myths or misconceptions have you encountered about a phobia of dogs?

Are you or a loved one struggling with cynophobia, the fear of dogs? It's time to take the first step toward a brighter future 🐶

A Roadmap Session is your personalised guide to overcoming cynophobia. It's an initial consultation with Anthony Berrick, our experienced psychologist, where we map out your unique journey towards a fear-free life.

Why book a Roadmap Session?

1️⃣ Personalised Plan: We tailor a treatment plan specifically for you or your loved one, considering your individual fears and needs.

2️⃣ Clarify Your Goals: During the session, we help you define your goals and set achievable milestones, ensuring you stay on track.

3️⃣ Understand the Process: You'll gain a clear understanding of the therapy process, demystifying cynophobia and making it more manageable.

4️⃣ Professional Guidance: Anthony provides expert advice and answers any questions or concerns you may have.

5️⃣ Take the First Step: It's a crucial step in your journey to conquer cynophobia and unlock a world of opportunities you may have been missing out on.

Book your Roadmap Session today and embark on a transformative journey from fear to confidence 🐾