Fear of Dogs Treatment
Helping Adults and Children Overcome Cynophobia – Fear of Dogs
At Kentlands Psychotherapy, we understand how a fear of dogs—known as cynophobia—can limit daily life. Whether it’s avoiding parks, friends’ homes, or even certain streets, this fear can be overwhelming. Our structured, evidence-based approach gently guides both adults and children toward confidence and comfort around dogs.
A Step-by-Step Approach to Reducing Dog-Related Anxiety
Our program follows a three-phase model grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and gradual exposure. This method ensures safety, builds trust, and fosters long-term resilience.
Phase 1: Understanding and Preparing
We begin by exploring the origins of the fear, when it started, the context, and its impact. Clients learn about the body’s fear response and acquire self-regulation techniques, such as deep breathing and grounding exercises. Additionally, we teach how to interpret dog body language and practice safe behaviors around dogs.
Phase 2: Supported Exposure in a Controlled Setting
Once clients feel prepared, they engage in low-stress exposures within our office. These sessions involve the client, their therapist, a trained handler, and a calm, leashed therapy dog. Activities might include observing the dog from a distance, practicing relaxation techniques, and gradually interacting with the dog through simple commands or tricks.
Phase 3: Building Confidence in Real-World Settings
As clients progress, we introduce more dynamic scenarios. This may involve interactions with different dogs, including our younger, energetic therapy dog, Winnie, when appropriate. Clients might practice passing dogs on neighborhood walks or visiting friends with dogs, consistently applying the skills they’ve learned.
Tailored for Adults and Children
Our therapists adapt the program to suit each client’s age and developmental stage. For children, we involve parents in the process, ensuring the whole family supports the process toward overcoming fear.
The Role of Our Therapy Dogs
While our therapy dogs, Riley and Winnie, play a role in treatment, they are introduced thoughtfully and only when clients are ready. The focus remains on building skills and confidence at a comfortable pace.
Ready to Begin?
Overcoming a fear of dogs is possible with the right support and strategies. Contact us today at (240) 252-3349 to learn more or schedule a consultation.
Meet Our Animal-Assisted Therapy Dogs
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