How do providers treat cynophobia?

How do providers treat cynophobia?

The primary treatments for cynophobia are therapy and medication. There are several types of therapy that can help people with an overwhelming fear of dogs. These include:

Exposure therapy: Your provider gradually exposes you to dogs. Some providers offer virtual reality therapy using special goggles that mimic interacting with a real dog. Over time, your sensitivity to dogs decreases and you become less fearful. This therapy may include:

• Closing your eyes and imagining an encounter with a dog.
• Seeing pictures or videos of dogs.
• Holding a toy dog.
• Watching dogs play from a distance and slowly getting closer to the dog.
• Petting a dog while it’s on a leash.
• Spending time with a dog off of a leash.

Your provider may also recommend:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to change the way you respond to fear and think about dogs in a different way.
• Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, to help you understand your fears.
• Hypnotherapy, which includes guided relaxation exercises while your mind is in a calm state. This allows you to rethink your fear of dogs and the anxiety it causes.
• Mindfulness exercises, yoga, breathing exercises and meditation to help you control anxiety.
• Medications to treat depression, relieve anxiety or control panic attacks.